Manzella, Charles A.
Charles Anthony Manzella, 70, of South Windsor, formerly of Pine Brook, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 20th. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Charles will be remembered as someone who was outgoing, funny, and full of life with the unique ability to engage anyone in conversation everywhere he went.
Charles is predeceased by his mother Louise and his father Victor; his brother John Richard Manzella, MD; and his nephew Sal Iradi.
Born in Newark, NJ to Louise (Savoca) Manzella and Victor Manzella, Charles was the youngest of four children. He was a graduate of East Side High School in Newark and New Jersey City University, where he received an M.A. in education and certification as an LDTC and supervisor.
He began his career as a special education teacher in the Newark Public Schools system in 1974 and retired as the principal of the New Jersey Regional Day School in 2011. During his 37 year career in education, he was a member of the Child Study Team, the Director of Special Education and a Special Assistant to an Assistant Superintendent. He spent many years as an active member of the Benedetto Croce Educational Society.
Charles leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Carol Ann Manzella; daughter Chris Manzella of Wanaque, NJ; and daughter Cara Quinn of South Windsor and her husband Kevin, as well as grandchildren Hunter and Madeline.
Charles' gregarious personality will be missed by many dear friends. He enjoyed traveling, the New York Yankees, the NY Giants, and his vintage Mustang. He was an avid tennis player and loved a good nap. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Shadow and Mikey. He will be remembered as a kind and caring man. The greatest love of his later years was his grandchildren Hunter and Madeline.
In addition to his wife and his daughters, Charles is survived by his sisters Mary Ann Iradi (Sal); and Victoria Podlas (Ron); nieces Lynn Decker (Dave); Lisa Chase (Rick); Michelle Lieb (Evan); Danielle Zamora (Ivan ); and nephews Dr Edward Manzella (Jodi); Dr Victor Manzella (Genny); Dr Jack Manzella; and Dr. Victor Iradi (Nina) as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.
His family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at The Residence of South Windsor and the nurses and staff of the Hospice at the Visiting Nurse and Health Services in Vernon for their care and support.
To honor Charles' memory, we are inviting friends and family for calling hours at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd, South Windsor, on Wednesday, October 26th from 5-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Rd, in South Windsor on Thursday, October 27th at 10am, with burial to follow in Wapping Cemetery in South Windsor.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Charles' memory, donations may be made to Connecticut Foodshare at ctfoodshare.org
To share a memory of Charlie with his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com