Clarence A. Manetta

MANETTA, retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Clarence A. "Mac," 86, of Tampa, went home to heaven January 20, 2009 after suffering more than 5 years with myelo-dysplastic syndrome. He was born February 26, 1922, in Detroit, Mich. and raised in Atlanta, Ga., but loved Tampa most of all. Mac proudly served nearly 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, assigned to many commands worldwide. He never forgot Saipan in the South Pacific, or "Thule" Greenland's terrible coldness. He was in Northeast Air Command, working with the inspector general on top secret war plans in the European Theater at Chateauroux, France, and did the same work in air defense in Colorado at Ent AFB. After retiring from the Air Force, Mac worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Tampa for 21 years, totaling 41 and a half years of honorable, dedicated service to the United States. He loved his family, his country, his friends, and his beloved cat, Baby, and his dogs through the years, especially Casey. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Robert Earle "Sandy," and is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Gloria, whom he married at MacDill Air Force Base in 1942; son, Robert G. Manetta (Rita) of Zephyrhills; daughter, Kathleen Manetta Goodman (Larry) of Temple Terrace; daughter, Sandi Manetta Soto (John) of Tampa; grand-daughter, Stacy Manetta of Tampa; and grandson, Simon Manetta of Dunedin, Fla. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Weston of LifeLink, as well as Dr. Dani Mathew and Dr. Rodriguez of Tampa General Hospital Palliative Care Service. Thanks also to Guerlene Doss, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center hematology lab; Patty and Lauren at the Moffitt Infusion Center; the staff of TGH Wing 5A (cardiac) for their caring attention and constant kindnesses during Mac's 25-day stay; and Lee Chavez, Frances Cruz, and friends and family members for their support. Thanks also to Dr. David Richards, ophthalmologist, for many years of friendship and care. Memorial services will take place at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, at First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace, 10002 N. 56th St., Tampa, (813) 988-1138, followed by an informal reception at FBC's International Friendship House, Mission Hills Blvd., next to the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Mac's name to Habitat for Humanity, 3736 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL 33610.