John A. Manfredo

Mr. John A. Manfredo, age 94, formerly of North Utica, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Born in Utica on February 19, 1912, John was the son of the late Raffaele and Marianne (Grande) Manfredo. Raised and educated locally, he was a member of the first graduating class at Roscoe Conkling Elementary School. He also attended Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran, he served with Company L, 10th Infantry New York National Guard and the 27th Division of the U.S. Army National Guard, in which he remained active until recent years. He continued his military affiliation with Company A 6th Regiment of the New York State Guard, and with the 336 A.A.A. Company, State War Disaster Military Corps. He was discharged as a First Sergeant after 13 years of faithful service. On July 11, 1936 he was married to the former Genevieve J. “Jenny” Puleo. As a couple, they were well suited to one another. Jenny and John’s love and devotion for one another were shared in a blessed union of 66 years until her passing on January 28, 2002. Mr. Manfredo’s occupational career was uniquely skillful and diverse, and spanned nearly 60 years. He began his work career at the McLoughlin Textile Mill; this was also the place in which he met his wife. He then worked with his father at Evans & Edwards Coal Co. He then obtained a job at the Utica General Jobbing Foundry working in every capacity from laborer to superintendent, including core maker, grinder molder, and coupolo worker. He was also employed at the National Guard. He accepted a position at Oriskany Malleable Iron where he became a member of Local 460, the International Molders and Foundry Workers Union of N.A. John served as financial secretary of the union. He also worked as a molder at the Westmoreland Foundry. He enjoyed his part-time work with Chanatry’s Market on Bleecker St., then promoted to produce manager at Chanatry’s Market on French Road. Subsequent jobs were at Chicago Markets, Nate’s Foodland, and the Farmer’s Market in Yorkville. His final position was at R. Ferris & Sons Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Store. A spiritual man, John was most recently a communicant of St. Peter’s Church in North Utica since 1975 and a member of the Ushers’ Club. Formerly, he attended the Church of the Blessed Sacrament and was a member of their Ushers’ Club from 1945 to 1975 where he served as past president. John was active in his community and involved in many civic organizations, including vice president of the North Utica Democratic Club; member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 450, the famous 27th Division, Post 56 as vice commander and sergeant of arms, and elected commander in April of 1998; honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree 189; the Utica Citizen’s Corps, where he served as 2nd vice president; and a member of the Color Guard. Mr. Manfredo enjoyed baseball, bowling, basketball, and especially fishing in Plymouth, MA with his eldest grandson, Jimmy Verni, Jr., and at one time with his late brother, Tony. In his earlier years, he participated in minstrel shows as an ‘end man’, performing at charity events for St. Elizabeth Hospital, the Heart Association, the Lung Association, Blessed Sacrament Church, and St. Agnes Parish. John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Mary L. and James M. Verni, Sr. of Marion, MA; his son and daughter-in-law, Ralph P. and Sharon Manfredo of San Jose, CA; his grandchildren, James M. Verni, Jr. of RI, Christopher John and Lauren Verni of RI, Elizabeth Anne Verni of MA, and Joanne Manfredo of Utica; one brother-in-law, Anthony Violanti of Whitesboro. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by three sisters and a brother-in-law, Rose Manfredo, Lena and Daniel Murphy, and Carmella “Millie” Violanti; his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony J. and Jane Manfredo; and his in-laws, Joseph and Mary Puleo, Anna and Rosario M. LaRocca, and Philip F. and Rose Puleo. The family wishes to express their gratitude to John’s nephew, Joseph LaRocca, for the kindness and compassion shown to his uncle during his life. The outstanding caregivers of the Masonic Care Community of NY have cared for John as if he were family. The love and concern of Rorey Wallen, RN, Dave Tero, Lisa, Natalie, and Carissa Mazza have been of the greatest comfort. The entire staff of Queens Neighborhood have enhanced John’s stay at their home. A special remembrance to Msgr Francis Willenburg, Father Anthony LaFache and Father Richard O’Neill for the respect and prayers they have offered with John especially during his illness. Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to Dang Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mr. Manfredo’s funeral will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

John A. Manfredo

February 19, 1912 - July 25, 2006