Ari Manuel Pargman, lovingly known as “Manny,” of Atlanta tragically passed away on Dec. 4, at the age of 18. He was the cherished son of Benjamin Pargman and the late Deena Pargman.
Manny was a vibrant spirit who brought joy to everyone he met. A freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder, his infectious smile and warm, magnetic personality made him a beloved figure to family, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Whether he was making memories on the baseball field, playing music, or just being with friends, Manny had an innate ability to lift up everyone around him. His laughter was contagious, and his kindness, limitless.
Manny’s impact was felt by all who knew him, from his teachers to his fellow students at Greenfield Hebrew Academy, St. Francis School, and Riverwood International Charter School. He spent many wonderful summers filled with camp spirit at Camp Ramah and Camp Barney. With his infectious energy and unwavering spirit, Manny made a lasting impression everywhere he went. Manny enjoyed working and mentoring young kids. He worked as an assistant Sunday School teacher at B’nai Torah Synagogue.
On the fields of Buckhead Baseball, he was a force to be reckoned with, earning the nickname ‘Superman’ for hitting home runs and making spectacular catches that could have easily landed him on ESPN. Manny was the teammate everyone wanted, and his coaches often looked to him as the epitome of what it meant to be a great teammate—dedicated, supportive, and always giving his best. He carried his love of baseball throughout his life by cheering for his favorite hometown team, the Atlanta Braves.
An adventurer at heart, Manny had a love for the outdoors, often spending weekends hiking with family. His adventurous spirit led him to Boulder, Colorado where he joined the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. As a fall ’24 pledge, his selflessness and ability to make deep friendships quickly left a lasting mark on his fraternity brothers and new friends. He had a positive energy and ability to make others feel seen and valued which made him so very special.
Manny’s passion for music was another defining part of his life. His natural talent for rhythm and sound took him to Meta Music, where he amazed his instructors by playing drums by ear. Later, he discovered his love for DJing, a pursuit that brought him immense joy as he spun the perfect tracks at parties and anywhere he could power up his turntable, watching friends dance to the beats he created. He had a vast appreciation for a wide variety of music from classic rock to reggae to EDM to classic Jewish melodies and modern Israeli dance. He constantly sought out new sounds to add to his playlists.
Beyond his remarkable talents, Manny was simply a joy to be around. He made everyone feel like family, often offering a hug or saying “I love you” without hesitation. His warmth, his laughter, and his joy for life are memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Manny is survived by his father, Benjamin Pargman; his brothers, Syd and Max Pargman; his grandparents, Marsha and David Pargman; his uncles, Brian (Michelle) and Aaron Pargman; his aunts, Debbie (Scott) Rubinsky and Rachel (Steve) McCollough; cousins Brady and Macy Pargman; many beloved aunts and uncles, second cousins, countless friends, teammates, bandmates; and his four-legged best friend, Flynn. While his untimely passing has left an unimaginable void, we take solace in knowing that Manny’s love, light, and spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him and that he is now peacefully in the arms of his cherished mother, Deena.
In the words of those who loved him, Manny made life brighter, and the world is a better place for having had him in it. His memory will live on in all of us.
Funeral Services will be held on Sun., Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
Shiva and meal after the service will take place at noon at Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
The remainder of Shiva will be Dec. 8-12 at 5900 Brookgreen Road, Sandy Springs, 30328. Visitors will be welcomed from 6- 9 p.m. with a Ma’ariv minyan at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Manny’s memory by contributing to The Manny Pargman Mental Health Education Fund.