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Darren Manzella Obituary
His aunt, Robin Mahoney, on Friday confirmed his death. Manzella lived in the Chautauqua County town of Portland; he and his partner were married in July.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said Manzella was driving on Interstate 490 in suburban Rochester about 8:30 p.m. Thursday when his vehicle sideswiped a car. Deputies said he stopped his vehicle, got out and began pushing the car from behind. He was then hit by an SUV, pinning him between the two vehicles. He died at the scene.
Manzella's December 2007 appearance on "60 Minutes" from the combat zone in Iraq was followed by his discharge in June 2008 for "homosexual admission," a violation of the since-rescinded policy prohibiting service members from openly acknowledging they are gay.
After the television appearance and his return from Iraq, Manzella did media interviews, each a potential violation of the policy.
"This is who I am. This is my life," Manzella said at a Washington news conference before his discharge. "It has never affected my job performance before. I don't think it will make a difference now. And to be honest since then, I don't see a difference because of my homosexuality."
Manzella said he first told a military supervisor about his sexual orientation in August 2006, while working in a division headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas. Three weeks later, his battalion commander told him an investigation had been closed without finding "proof of homosexuality." A month later, he was sent to Iraq.
His supporters said the overseas assignment demonstrated how the military was arbitrarily enforcing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy during the war.
Manzella enlisted in the Army in 2002. He was awarded the Combat Medical Badge for service in Iraq. When he was discharged, he was a sergeant serving at Fort Hood with the 1st Cavalry Division.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
194 Entries
Darrell Russell
August 27, 2017
Praying for all.
Darrell Russell
August 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss.
Venilda Lloyd
July 1, 2014
I did not know anything or who Mr Darren Manzella until late last night 2240 BST, 29th of June 2014.
I will never know him, but for some reason I would like to share my deepest emotion for learning that he has passed away. RIP Mr Darren Manzella
-Miss Lloyd (London, England)
How you can show support
Brian
September 27, 2013
A hero for humanity, we have lost a great man and soldier.
Larry W. Jones
September 26, 2013
Darren's husband and other family have lost a great man. Now his tasks are done. May he rest in peace.
September 11, 2013
Rest in eternal peace
Mickey Jones
September 9, 2013
RIP
Debi Ouellette
September 8, 2013
God bless Darren during his transition back into the hands of the Lord. He did what he sent here to do and his family and friends were blessed to have him as long as they did. Prayers for you all.
September 5, 2013
Grieving is the normal process for healing and relying on Almighty God is the normal process for comfort.
jackie mccray
September 5, 2013
May you receive all the comfort and support needed now and into the future. Throw all your heartache, grief and pain upon God who will sustain all. Take care, Isaiah 55: 22.
September 5, 2013
May your the Manzella family & friends be comforted by GOD"S.at (Isa.61:2). ~Egj~
Michael Melancon
September 4, 2013
We'll all miss you terribly. Your bravery and courage in Iraq and as a leader in the human rights movement are an example and inspiration to us all.
Jerry Zafer
September 4, 2013
you helped make it easier for the rest of us.
Thanks.
Ozzie Farber
September 4, 2013
Only the good die young. RIP brave soldier.
Ruthann Roberts
September 4, 2013
Sorry to hear the loss of this fine young man, dying so young. GOd must have ha purpose for him up in Heaven. God Bless All of You. Again I am sorry.
C Reid
September 4, 2013
We are sorry for your loss. At this time may your family find the peace of. God that excel all thought.
Mary Jo Anderlonis Fulton
September 4, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to each of you who loved him. May he rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord.
September 3, 2013
The world has lost a good son, and we are thankful for his honesty and integrity. The Universe has gained a good son, and his work will continue to astonish, I am sure.
September 3, 2013
What a brave man to stand up for what he believed in and not be intimidated by anyone in doing so. He was proud to say who he was and stood up for his country all the while in doing so. I admired his perserverence and tenaciousness in advocating for what he believed in and helping to knock down this wall for those who come to serve after him. Its just a tragic ending that he left the way he did as our world needs more people willing and able to advocate as passionately for their causes as Darren did for his. My deepest sympathies to his husband, family and friends. And thank you Darren for your service to my country. I proudly honorably discharge you with much appreciation for your time & service. God Bless. Connie S. Koch, Oregon, OH
Liz Ryan
September 3, 2013
My deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend - and a hero to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
natalie Harper
September 3, 2013
May God bless you and look down upon your husband and family to help them through this sad time. RIP and may your legacy continue
Natalie x
September 3, 2013
May you rest in peace my fellow soldier, SSG Manzella. Army Strong.... SGT Titus
September 3, 2013
Bravery wears many faces.Condolonces on the loss of your loved one. His spirit will not be forgotten.
Karla C
September 3, 2013
Heartbreaking- RIP. To The Manzella family, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Scott Gilbert
September 3, 2013
My Deepest Sympathies to Darren's Husband, family and loved ones.
C Reid
September 3, 2013
We are sorry for your loss. At this time may your family find the peace of. God that excels all thought.
william barker
September 3, 2013
what a good man he was a minority that fought the majority and he was right in doing so, thanks for your bravery and courage.
L. L.
September 3, 2013
My condolences to the Manzella family. May the God who gives peace be with all of YOU.
hyde
September 3, 2013
The family of Mr. Manzella has my deepest sympathy for their loss. The Scriptures teach us that " God is not partial, the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. Acts 10:34 and 35. May Mr. Manzella sleep in peace.
September 3, 2013
Mike, Words cold never begin to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. Your son was a hero to many. May you find comfort in knowing that friends, whether near or far, recent or past, are praying for you, Nancy and the entire family. May he rest in God's Peace. Annie (Jaglowski) Frew
September 2, 2013
Rip
September 2, 2013
Strength for his family, P>M> Danville, Va.
marlene silva
September 2, 2013
RIP, my brother in arms, you were a brave man.
September 2, 2013
I wish Darren's memory will live on and it is sad how he died but i a glad he lived his life fully
Barbara Limone
September 2, 2013
Darren, Thank you so much for your service to this Country. Your bravery in the war theater was only upstaged by your bravery to stand and hold true to yourself. Your life was short, your legacy huge.
September 2, 2013
Iam sorry for your loss.We have losted another American Hero and a Great Man who worked for Our Human Rights. Rest in Peace Darren.
Chris Hooper
September 2, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May GOD Bless you all at this time.
Timothy Casey, Sr.
September 2, 2013
HooRah Darren. May God be holding you in the palm of his hands. "Peace be with you" Javier.
September 2, 2013
So sorry to read about this tragedy. May God remember him personally. (Malachi3:16)
Charlie Bolick
September 2, 2013
As a Vietnam combat veteran, I know in my heart that you are and always will be one of the best. My deepest sympathies to your friends and family.
B.R.
September 2, 2013
My condolences to Darren's family. May you be comforted by God's promise to wipe away tears, mourning and even death.
September 2, 2013
Dearest Darren, you will be missed by so many people. Never forgotten my Friend.
Never!
Michalene Fontana
September 2, 2013
You will always be America's hero.
September 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. 1 Pet. 5:7
Sue Black
September 2, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your passing. My thoughts & prayers are with your family & friends at this sad & difficult time. RIP Darren. God Bless.
Seth
September 2, 2013
An American Hero who worked for Human Rights
Kathy Piazza
September 2, 2013
Sad to read about this tragedy. A strong voice he had to help others. A brave soul in heaven now. Sympathies to his family.
Allen Roberts
September 2, 2013
So sorry to read this, condolence's to your husband, family and friends. May you forever rest in peace. Thanks for everything you did in your life.
Jeannie
September 2, 2013
"God wants to help you out of your troubles (grief)." (Job 36:16) Holy Bible (Easy-to-Read Version)
Sorry for your loss.
September 2, 2013
So sorry to hear of his death. He was a real nice guy with a gentle soul. rest in peach.
September 2, 2013
My condolence to family and friends
Mary Briggs
September 2, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Darren's husband and the rest of his family. A senseless loss. Peace be with you.
Reed
September 2, 2013
My deepest condolences to Mr Manzella family,may God give you the strength that is needed at this difficult time. Psalms 37:29
david
September 2, 2013
Horrible!My deepest prayers and wishes to his partner and his family.Very sorry.Terrible.
September 2, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paul Duseau
September 2, 2013
We are truly sorry for your loss, what a GREAT man who will never be forgotten....
Barb
September 2, 2013
We have the promise of God's Kingdom (Daniel 2:44) very soon where everyone will be perfect.
Heather Vasas
September 2, 2013
Rest in peace you amazing, beautiful wonderful man (solider). Thank you for your many sacrifices and for being true to who you are. You have given so many others the courage to do so now. God Bless
Angel S
September 2, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with family and friends of Darren Manzella at this time.
September 1, 2013
Darren will go down in history as an American Hero.
j. peluso
September 1, 2013
Thank you for all you have done for human rights. My heart is with Darren's husband and family.
Patty Severud
September 1, 2013
My deepest sympathy for this wonderful man. This world needs more honest non-assuming souls like his. My thoughts and prayers are with him, remembering the good changes he made in and for people's lives. God Bless him.
Ellen Buck
September 1, 2013
Hugs to, my friend.
September 1, 2013
Gone too soon...deepest condolences to all of his family~
Ellen Buck
September 1, 2013
Always sincere, kind, and funny. Darren will be missed. Javier and family, my most heartfelt condolences.
Bonnie and Kevin Johnson
September 1, 2013
Although we did not Darren that well, we certainly know how proud his whole family is of him and what a wonderful
person he was.
Nancy and Mike please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and
your whole family.
Raymond Betts
September 1, 2013
Javier, We are both so sorry for your loss. Darren was one special person that has helped change so many peoples lives. You will be in our prayers.
September 1, 2013
My sincere condolence to the Manzella family and friends. The death of a love one can rob your joy. May God's word give you comfort at this most difficult time.
J. Florida
September 1, 2013
deepest sympathy in your loss. such a sadness
Bonnie Hobbs-Wade
September 1, 2013
God bless you, now you are free. God bless your partner and all other family members. God loves you.
pamela cumings
September 1, 2013
My heart goes out to your partner & family. His courageous action has benifted the advancement & understanding of the entire gay community in general. The battle is noit won, but without Darren it wouldn't be one step closser. I am a straight woman with MANY long time loving gay frienbds. Isn't it ironic that his passing was caused by his, once again, doing the right thing.
David Forster
September 1, 2013
Rest In Peace.
Patricia Corcoran
September 1, 2013
Rest in Peace.
September 1, 2013
So sad...My condolences to his family
September 1, 2013
Rest in peace ~ God bless you.
Megan POwers
September 1, 2013
Thank you, for everything. Thank you for helping GLBT service members NOT have to hide, thank you for your selfless actions. My prayers to your family and your husband.
Greg Avery
September 1, 2013
I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted caring man who did so much good... He will always be remembered by those of us who admired what he stood for. May his family find peace in knowing that he touched so many people in such a short time.
Anne Archer
September 1, 2013
To the family of Darren: May your memories of him bring you peace. And I wish to Thank him for his service to the Country. Rest Safe in the arms of Jesus, Darren.
Jay Ells
September 1, 2013
God love you, Darren, and your partner too. Bless you both.
September 1, 2013
My heart is broken for your family.Darren you were such a hero. your family must be verry proud to have had you for a son.
A mother from Mass. .
Julie
September 1, 2013
My deepest sympathy to his family and partner; he lived a lot in his short life.
Too young......
bridgitte perrier
September 1, 2013
Rest in peace you beautiful soul
Bonita Geary
September 1, 2013
To Darren's husband and other family members: What a sad, untimely loss. Be comforted knowing that he changed his nation's and its military's conscience forever, in a most wonderful way. We will be inspired by his courage and persistence forever. Thank you for sharing him with us.
September 1, 2013
My condolences to the Manzella family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
Lori Tatum
August 31, 2013
Thoughts and prayers with Javier and your family. May they all find peace.
Lori Tatum, NC
Joanne Semanchick
August 31, 2013
"To thy own self be true." This young man stood up and did just that. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
August 31, 2013
Folks, your son is a hero. My thanks to you for raising him to be just that! I'm so sorry for your loss. Patrick Kelly Former USN
Amy Diprosperis - Kitsko
August 31, 2013
My heart goes out to Darren's friends and family. I cheered with Darren at WVU. Although I haven't seen him in a long time, I will never forget the fond memories I shared with him. He was a wonderful person!
Devona George
August 31, 2013
Sympathy to the family and friends who loved him. We need more people who speak up for the rights of others.
Rick Stone
August 31, 2013
We are ALL better off for Darren's having been on this earth. ..."and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Mendy Lowe
August 31, 2013
Thank you for your service! Thank you for help turn my service into to something valuable! God Bless you my gay brother! My all gay service member, especially those who served in silence, receive a rainbow flag along side there USA flag!
Kimberly Y
August 31, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Darren's family. I worked with Darren and he will be missed. I'm glad to have known him.
Peter Coe
August 31, 2013
Dearest Mike and Nancy; I am so sorry for your loss. I know Darren was a good man if only because you two are his parents. It sounds like he followed in your footsteps Mike and that is love and respect. Nancy, its sounds like he had your gentleness and peace. Where ever we go that is good, he is there with Lee and Sandy. Be well my friends and know your sorrow is shared.
August 31, 2013
My deepest sympathy for you all. I live here in the Rochester area and heard of this tragedy. May sweet and special memories comfort you at this time.
Jan
Shannon
August 31, 2013
So sorry for your loss. What a true American hero and a spokesperson for fairness. The world needs more people like him. He was a true gentleman and he had so much grace and integrity. The world is sadder today
August 31, 2013
Sorry for the loss of a great person. He fought for his rights and other people rights. May God has him in his glory.
Christopher Meador
August 31, 2013
Sincerest sympathy at the loss of this brave and great man!
Mindy Davis
August 31, 2013
My most sincere prayers are with Darren's family-I admire how strong he was, and how much he helped a very disrespected sector of people.His fearless service as a soldier, and a co-habitant on this planet are greatly admired. RIP Darren, and thank you.
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