Leonard J. Manz

MANZ Leonard J. Manz, age 88, organist emeritus, Newtown Congregational Church, died on Wednesday, September 29, 2004, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, as the result of an automobile accident. He was the husband of the late Shirley Bowie Manz who died in 1992. He was born in Bridgeport on June 12, 1916, son of the late George A. and Emma M. (Watt) Manz. He had been a resident of Newtown since 1949. He was employed as a machine accountant for McKesson's in Fairfield for 47 years until his retirement. He was the last founding member and was still an active member of the board of McKesson Federal Credit Union. Mr. Manz was a former member of the Bridgeport Civitan Club and a member of the Newtown Old Boys Club. Leonard was a lifelong musician, beginning his musical career when he was only 17, playing with an orchestra in New York City. He then played the organ at various churches from 1933 until the time of his death. For the last 55 years he played the organ at the Newtown Congregational Church. During the 1940's Len frequently played the organ at skating rinks in Bridgeport and New Haven. In addition, he was a skilled pianist. Leonard was the family historian, taking an active interest in his family's roots back to Scotland and Germany, as well as chronicling the last few generation's lives right up to the present day. Survivors include his six children, Leonard W. Manz and his wife, Lynda, of Homasassa, Fla., Russell E. Manz and his wife, Janice, of Montrose, Scotland, George A. Manz and his wife, Ann, of Merritt Island, Fla., Earl M. Manz and his wife, Peg, of Woodstock, Robert D. Manz of Sandy Hook, and Marie Manz-Lavalla of Newtown; a sister, Violet Mackbach of Homasassa, Fla.; 22 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the Newtown Congregational Church. Interment will follow in Newtown Village Cemetery. Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Contributions may be made to Leonard J. Manz Memorial Music Fund, Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown, CT 06470.