Antonio Manna

Born in Naples, Italy to Maria and Mario Manna, Tony grew up with five brothers (Luigi, Carmine, Armando, Giuseppe and Pasquale) and one sister (Lydia). As a child, he loved to play soccer. He grew up to become a skilled machinist, a tool and die maker by trade. In his mid 20s, he migrated to the United States, learned to speak English, and met his wife Susan on a New York City subway.
Susan and Tony built a wonderful life together, recently celebrating 56 years of marriage. Together, they raised their three daughters (Michelle, Danielle & Jennifer) in Brooklyn, NY. Tony worked two full time jobs while his children were young, in addition to being the neighborhood handyman. He was blessed with three sons in law (Chris, Lance and Sal) who he loved like his own. His favorite role was being grandfather to Chris, Matthew, James, Jessie and Brooke. Most recently, he was so happy to add Amanda, Matthew's wife, to his family.
Tony retired from the MTA after 20 Years of service working at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Marine Parkway Bridge and Verrazano Bridge. He was awarded a Heroic Service Award for his efforts in responding to the World Trade Center attack on 9/11. In 1978, he assisted in saving the life of a suicidal pedestrian on the Verrazano Bridge and received an award for his heroism. He maintained life long friendships with his coworkers. After he relocated to North Carolina in 2004, he built lasting friendships with many. He spent his retirement years watching his grandchildren grow, attending all their sporting events, playing bocce with his neighbors and poker with his friends.
Tony was best known for his generous nature. If you saw him at Starbucks, he bought you coffee. If you came to his house, you left with cookies. If you were sick, he brought you a homemade Italian meal. He never hesitated to lend a hand or help someone in need. The most important thing in his life was his family. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his family and friends. He often had visits from his out of state nieces and nephews, his brother and sisters in law, and even his relatives flew in from Italy to spend time with him. "Uncle Tony" was admired, the rock of the family, a second father to many, the one everyone could depend on.
After surviving cancer two times, he lost his battle with Parkinson's disease on 7/11/25.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to Tunnels to Towers, an organization that supports the families of 9/11, which was near to his heart. Online at https://t2t.org/
Tony lived a full life to the age of 84 and left lasting impressions on all of us. He taught us all, through his actions, to be selfless and giving, to support others, to be courageous and helpful, and to love all. We are forever grateful for his actions and we know that no one will ever forget Tony Manna.
A Celebration of Tony's Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 at James Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until service time.
Services will be livestreamed at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com/obituaries/antonio-manna
Online condolences may be made at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.