John Kenneth Manley

John K. Manley, age 38, of Stafford, VA, was born on October 24, 1987 at Dewitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA. He passed away on December 17, 2025, in Stafford, VA.

He leaves behind his father and mother, Thomas II and Annette Pelyhe Manley; his older brother and sister-in-law, Thomas III and Juanita Manley and their children, his very special nieces and nephews, Mateo, Sandro, Josefina, Marcelo, and Valentina.

John was a loved and loving son, a loyal and caring younger brother, a passionate and generous uncle. He had great love for all his family, friends, and anyone in need. He was introverted and reserved in nature, but when he knew you, he was outgoing and passionate and showed his gentle, caring spirit, strength of will, and a warm, subtle sense of humor. John loved all manner of wildlife, especially his loyal dog "Rose," whom he raised from a puppy.

John graduated with honors from Brook Point High School in 2005. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2009. He was a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). He joined the National Contract Management Association in 2017 and pursued an Associate of Applied Science in Contract Management, graduating in 2020.

He had lots of jobs in life. He loved shooting sports and gunsmithing and worked at various retail gun stores. He loved his family Marine Corps heritage and most enjoyed working for the Marine Corps. After achieving his Contract Management degree, he worked as a Contract Management Specialist for the Marine Corps Exchange System at the Business and Support Services Division. He took pride in showing his professionalism, diligent work ethic, and unquestionable integrity, which was recognized with several awards.

John loved to research and work on mechanical and electrical automotive systems to customize his Jeep. He was skilled at building high-end gaming computers. He enjoyed collecting, especially all things associated with Star Wars. John tried his hand at guitar and banjo. He loved the Red Hot Chili Peppers and AC/DC. He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys and Virginia Tech football fan. He loved wildlife and the great outdoors and went fishing whenever he could. He was always patient and there for all the kids in his life. He enjoyed family celebrations of any kind, and we looked forward to his fried turkey on Thanksgiving. He looked for any occasion to shoot off fireworks, especially on New Year's and the 4th of July. John embraced the best of life.

John loved our family trips to Panama. They were always special and memorable throughout his life. Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with all the family in Panama City. His best wishes were granted in Panama.

We have wonderful memories of being with John in many loving times that offset the thirty-year struggle he bravely endured in fighting for his health, never complaining. Above all, John adored and loved his mom; they had a truly special bond. To all our family, John was a "warrior" who fought with perseverance against all odds. He was brave and courageous to the end. We thank God for the years of love and life we shared with him.

A memorial mass will be held for John at 11 a.m. on January 13, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 18825 Fuller Heights Road, Triangle, Virginia 22172. Interment will be at the family crypt in Panama City, Panama.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor John's memory with a donation to The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Your generosity will help grant wishes to children facing critical illness and continue the spirit of compassion, courage and hope that John embodied.

John's departure from this earth has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will always be remembered for his love, kindness, and warmth that he brought into the lives of others. To honor John, we are supporting The Make-A-Wish Foundation, a cause that was deeply meaningful to him. John was able to have a wish granted as a child and we would love your support in helping to bring similar joy and excitement to others that are bravely battling childhood illness.

We thank you for the love you gave to John in life and appreciate your support in helping to keep his legacy alive.