Former car salesman known for self-deprecating humor

Joseph C. Manzinger Sr. was not one to boast about his accomplishments — whether it be winning a Commendation Medal for his service in Korea or serving as vice president of the Pittsburgh Automobile Trade Association.

Rather, most remember him as a lighthearted spirit who loved to make people laugh. When he did talk about himself, he often liked to joke about his poker winnings or how he was a selfdescribed “really bad golfer,” said his son, Joseph C. Manzinger Jr. of Marshall.

But perhaps Mr. Manzinger’s greatest accomplishment was his ability to see the best in everyone and to bring joy to those around him. Although a role model as a father and businessman, it was his infectious optimism that made the greatest impact on his two children and grandchildren.

Mr. Manzinger, of Sewickley, died Friday, two days shy of his 89th birthday.

His son remembers that hewould always describe everybody he met, from car mechanics to nurses, as “the greatest person I’ve ever met.”

When Mr. Manzinger was 21, he fell in love with Elizabeth — “Betty Jean” or “B.J.” — Snyder after they met on a blind date. They married in 1950 before he left for Korea, where he was a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952.

After returning from Korea, Mr. Manzinger began his career as a used-car salesman. He worked his way up to dealership manager and eventually had corporate roles in sales and marketing for Chrysler and Nissan.

He traveled frequently and knew where almost every car dealership was in his area. During family road trips, he would offer driving directions based solely on where those dealerships were, his directions earning him the name “Pa Pa’s GPS System” from his grandchildren.

Mr. Manzinger and his wife enjoyed a long and happy marriage, according to his son.

“It’s clear that they loved each other just as much after 67 years of marriage as they did when they were 20-something newlyweds,” his son said. The two cared deeply about each other, but the secret to their relationship was the pair’s “tremendous sense of humor.”

His wife would sometimes make fun of her husband’s dislike of exercise, poking fun at how much time he spent relaxing on his blue La-Z-Boy recliner. She would joke that if he died before she did, she would bury his urn along with his recliner. Few topics were out of bounds for the couple’s lighthearted and jovial banter, their son said.

Wherever he and his wife lived, Mr. Manzinger volunteered his time. In Murrysville, he volunteered at a United Methodist Church and a Lions Club, often flipping flapjacks for pancake breakfasts. While in Sewickley, he was a longtime volunteer with the Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh.

In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Manzinger is survived by a daughter, Joanne Ulrich of Marysville, Pa.; a brother, Robert Manzinger of Warminster, Pa.; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held later this summer at the Masonic Village in Sewickley.