The family originated in Pistoia, the town in which Manrico grew up and completed his studies, except for university at the Faculty of Lettere e Filosofia (Arts).

After the armistice of September 8, 1943, the Italian Army dissolved and he was able to walk home from Tarquinia, skirting the main roads in order to avoid capture by the Germans.

His exceptional leadership abilities inspired teams of young people to join his ranks, forming one of the most organized and combative partisan formations in Italy.

Ducceschi's role in partisan activities put him at the top of the Germans' "most wanted" list, endangering not only himself but also his relatives, who were forced to go into hiding for the rest of the war.

In spite of this, Ducceschi's contributions were never officially acknowledged by either partisan organizations, mostly led by communist militants, or the Italian State.