Norman Clarence Manuel, 37, of Pittsburgh, passed on Monday, February 18, 2019, according to a bereavement notice sent by Keith Paylo, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, on March 1.

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of one of our students, Norman Manuel,” Paylo wrote. “I have received a number of emails sharing how creative and talented Norman was, and the impact that he had on so many people during his life.”

Manuel was born on Dec. 8, 1981. He was a junior Public Relations and Advertising major,  a published author and recently filled the role of head production assistant on the award winning Production 3 film, “Luna: a Short Film.”

The cast and crew expressed their sympathies across social media following the death announcement.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the death of our head production assistant from Luna, Norman Manuel. Norman was an extremely talented filmmaker, artist, photographer, and author. We are forever grateful for him and may he Rest In Peace,” they wrote.

Manuel was also the founder of Hidden Gems Multimedia.

A public candlelighting and balloon release took place in front of the August Wilson House in the Hill District on Saturday, Feb. 23.

A homegoing service was held at West Funeral Home on Saturday, March 2. Manuel was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery.