Mr. Lawrence D. "Larry" Manca

Mr. Lawrence D. “Larry” Manca, age 89, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2014 in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on January 2, 1925, Lawrence was the son of the late Sebastian and Mary (Pape) Manca. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1944. He continued his education at Ithaca College earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education. On August 13, 1949 Larry was married to the former Mildred “Millie” Simons with whom he shared 35 cherished years, and to that marriage came the blessing of two daughters. His beloved Millie passed away on June 9, 1985. In his youth, as a member of the Boy’s Club, he became an accomplished boxer and his most memorable spar was with the late Carmen Basilio, boxing champion of the world in the 1950s! A machinist by trade, Larry was employed initially at the Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company for 19 years where he was also the Union Steward for Local Lodge #645 of the I.A.M. He was a strong union leader who fought to protect workers’ rights. Mr. Manca was then elected as Business Representative for District 157 of the I.A.M. Lastly he was promoted to Directing Business Representative, a position achieved after much dedication. Larry upheld the democratic philosophy of fighting for the underdog and giving all Americans the chance to live out their dreams and to achieve their God-given potential. All in all, it was his integrity and his knowledge of justice that always prevailed. He was active in many labor agencies including the State Council of Machinists, the NY Central Federation of Labor, and CNY Labor Agency. He retired from the workforce on May 19, 1990. Larry possessed an innate ability to be a compassionate leader whether in the work place or through his numerous civic and social involvements. He was the kind of man who advocated for justice, genuinely offered a helping hand, and could communicate with top advisors as well as the men and women he represented. Larry met life’s challenges with humor and always left others with a smile on their face. He was a “silent giver” and his altruism never needed recognition. He had a great wit and was a handy man at heart, able to configure and construct anything. Larry’s social and civic participation was wide-ranging. He was very community-minded and devoted himself to local organizations. He demonstrated outstanding leadership as President of the Boys & Girls Club, Director of the United Way and volunteered his time and talents with the Visiting Nurses Association, the National Council on Alcoholism, Meals on Wheels, YMCA, the Private Industry Council, the former Sons of Italy Lodge #2054, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. Throughout the years, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends at “the River” where many memories were made at his summer home in the Thousand Islands. Larry held sacred his strong sense of spirituality and practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church. Larry is survived by his daughters, Diane Manca Williams, formerly of Liverpool, NY and currently of Massachusetts, and Sandra Manca of Chittenango, NY; and his 20-year companion and fiancée, Patricia A. Zegarelli. His extended family includes his sister-in-law, Viola Lane of Dryden, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank Manca; and his beloved canine friend, Daisy. The family would like to thank all those who made Larry’s life rich and fulfilling. A special thanks to John Schafer for all the laughs, and to Terry Murphy, the devoted son he never had. Visitation will be held Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 5:30-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of the Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider a memorial donation in Larry’s honor to the Boys & Girls Club of Utica; envelopes will be available at the funeral home or donations may be directed to 210 Memorial Parkway, Utica, NY 13501. Larry’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Peter’s Church, N. Utica, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Tom Durant. Committal Prayers and Interment will take place graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Lawrence D. "Larry" Manca

January 2, 1925 - October 23, 2014