Mr. Emmanuel Onyiriuka

Obituary For Mr. Emmanuel Onyiriuka

Born to the late Eugene and Felicia Onyiriuka on October 11, 1954 in Nigeria. He was the third child of ten children.

Emmanuel received his heavenly wings on August 9, 2025 at Capital Rehab and Healthcare Center in Harrisburg, PA after an extended illness surrounded by his sons.

Emmanuel entered into holy matrimony with the former Eartha Lee Rhodes on April 25, 1983 and to this union, they were blessed with two sons, Jonathan U. Onyiriuka and Clarence E. Onyiriuka.

After receiving his doctorate degree from the University of British Columbia PhD, Vancouver, Canada in 1986, Emmanuel began his career with Corning Incorporated, where he retired and would have celebrated 39 years of service this October. While at Corning, he continued his thirst for knowledge, which was evident by him completing Project Leader Program at Center for Creative Leadership, 1996. Program Managing Technical Professional and Organizations at MIT Sloan School of Management, 1997. Executive Programs, Kellogg, IRI/Kellogg Technology Manages Development, 1998. Globalization: Merging Strategy with Action, American Graduate School of International Management, 1999. He also received numerous awards and recognition over the years during his career, which included The Marquis Who's Who Publication Board Who's Who in Science and Technology First Edition. 1992/1993. Strathmore's Who's Who 2003-2004. In addition, Emmanuel had numerous publications and patents during his career at Corning.

When Emmanuel was not working, he enjoyed spending time with his family, whether it was helping coach one of his sons soccer team while in their youth. He always made sure he was present at both son’s school or sporting events and this continued throughout their college years if he was not traveling for work.

Emmanuel enjoyed traveling with his family and had fond memories, including the time when the family drove up to Pikes Peak and thought Clarence would have issues with the air, but it was he. Or the time Eartha and he visited Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam in the Las Vegas area before the boys were born and decided to take an alternate route (through Death Valley) back to Colton, California. Remember, this was before Mapquest and Google Maps, how far was it to Death Valley; oh 25 miles Eartha says. Not so! The temperature was over 125 degrees at Furnace Creek in Death Valley and he walked around with a wet towel on his head. Lesson learned from this adventure, don't believe them when they tell you oh, its 25 miles and by the way, it turned out to be 138 miles. God was watching over us!

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Osinachi, William Obioma Onyiriuka, three sisters Theresa Amaechi, Egondu and Bernadette Ifunanya and in-laws, Joseph James and Willie Lee Rhodes.

Emmanuel leaves not only to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life and cherished memories, two sons, Jonathan (Brittany) Onyiriuka of Brooklyn, New York and Clarence Onyiriuka of Jersey City, New Jersey. A granddaughter Simone Blair Onyiriuka of Brooklyn, New York, whom he adored. An uncle Dem Mbakwe, brothers Ezekiel Egwuatu Onyiriuka, Marcellinus Mbanefo Onyiriuka, Alphonsus Onyiriuka, sisters Bridget Nduwuaku, Victoria Uche, Ebere, Onyewuchi, Nkechi and their spouses. A special sister-in-law, Vivian M. Sabb of New York, a host of nieces and nephews, along with a host of family and friends that are too numerous to name. Emmanuel had a special relationship with a cousin who was like a brother, Dr. Syllvanus Ikenna (Rosemary) Nzeogu, MD. of Lorton, Virginia. Two dear friends, Chief Louie Ofoha and Dr. Alex Rajis, PhD. of Harrisburg, PA.

Emmanuel’s family has entrusted his next phrase of his journey to Paul A. Simmons Funeral Home 2868 Columbia Rd NE, Orangeburg, SC 29118.

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00 am, funeral service at 11:00 am. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Belleville Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Although you are no longer with us physically, we know you are still with us and feel your presence everywhere. Rest in peace dad and grandpa!

Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com