Obituary of Manuel A. Firpi Jr.

Manuel A. Firpi, Jr., age 71, a lifelong Bridgeport resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at John Dempsey Hospital, UCONN Medical Center in Farmington. Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on December 30, 1953, he was the son of the late Manuel A. Firpi, Sr. and Esperanza Lopez Firpi.

Manuel "Mannie" graduated from Bassick High School in 1972 and went on to attend Sacred Heart University before pursuing his dream of becoming a firefighter. Always a fierce advocate for justice and doing what was right, he fought for equal rights for the Hispanic community—opening the door for himself and those who came after him to serve in the Bridgeport Fire Department.

Over the course of an extraordinary 46½-year career, he rose through the ranks—Firefighter, Lieutenant (1988), Captain (1998), Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief (2008)—and ultimately served as Acting Deputy Chief. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest-serving firefighter in the history of the Bridgeport Fire Department. His dedication to the Department was so profound that he continued serving in the Deputy Chief Executive Office even after his official retirement. He was admired for his tireless work ethic, selflessness, and the deep respect he held for the brotherhood of the fire service.

Outside of work, Manuel enjoyed fishing with friends and family, playing golf, salsa dancing, and sharing his love of music—especially through the guitar and trumpet. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandsons. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his two loving children, Shantel Firpi Szymanski and her husband Benjamin, and Manuel Angel Firpi III; his cherished grandsons, Jack and Roman Szymanski; his brother, Firefighter Mark Firpi; his nephew, Daniel Firpi and his wife Noelle Chambry and their daughter Victoria; his niece, Yazmin Jason and her husband Christopher and their children, Juliette, Oliva, and Andrew; and his former spouse, Sylvia Firpi. He was predeceased by his brother, Lieutenant Frank A. Firpi.

A Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport. Interment will be private. Family and friends are invited to a wake to pay their respects on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to vasculitisfoundation.org

To leave an online condolence, please visit us at www.abriola.com.