Victor J. Manzella

PAWCATUCK - Victor J. Manzella, 100, of Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Born in Pawcatuck, CT, he was the son of the late Benedetto and Pauline Manzella.

With the exception of his time in the Navy, school and a few months after he married, he had lived in the house built by his parents his entire life, redesigning and renovating spaces as his family grew.

After leaving high school just shy of 17, Victor worked in local manufacturing jobs until another year passed and he was old enough to join the Navy in August, 1943. He served nearly three years in the Pacific theater, on a Landing Ship TANK, and then in occupied Japan. After his discharge in March 1946, he returned home and began forging his life's path. Again working locally, he was persuaded by one of his former teachers to finish high school, which he did, graduating from Stonington High School with the class of 1947.

In 1955, a few years after completing carpentry courses at Putnam Tech, which licensed him to teach the subject, he began teaching carpentry at Norwich Tech, eventually becoming department head. In 1977, in that same role, he initiated the program at the newly built Grasso-Southeastern Tech in Groton. While working in Norwich, he took night courses, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1965 from Central Connecticut State College, later earning credits toward a Master's degree.

Of most importance to him, he married his beloved Ida in 1955. Together they raised one daughter and six sons, enjoying together over the years many family events, Yacht Club dances and parties, and travel with friends. In June, he celebrated his 100th birthday with extended family and a few old family friends.

In addition to being a devoted family man, he was a great fan of golf, the Boston Red Sox, the NE Patriots and the music of the big band era, Glen Miller especially. As a golf enthusiast, he could be found many an early morning, several times a week, until he was 92 yrs old, on the greens of Elmridge Golf Course.

He was a communicant of St. Michael Church in Pawcatuck, where he served as a member of the Maria Assunta Society and the Holy Name Society. In addition, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, (Nina Council), the Lions Club and was a past commodore (1980) of the Westerly Yacht Club.

Predeceased by his wife, he is survived by their seven children: Kathleen Manzella of Port Chester, NY, Victor J. Manzella (Kathryn) of Pawcatuck, Matthew Manzella (Naomi) of Silver Spring, MD, Mark Manzella (Leslie) of Newbury, NH, Luke Manzella (Patricia) and John Manzella (Carolyn) of Pawcatuck, and Kevin Manzella of Mystic. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Victor was predeceased by his five siblings.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4pm-7pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11am on Friday at St. Michael Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Pawcatuck. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com