John Manzella Obituary

Name: Visitation for John Manzella
Start: 2015-03-28T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-03-28T22:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Raymond Church

John Paul Manzella

October 19, 1928 – March 24, 2015

Resident of San Leandro

John Manzella passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 24, 2015 at the age of 86. Son of Angela and Paolo Manzella. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Lola, his loving daughter, Janice Bartholomew, son-in-law, Tony, and his cherished grandsons, Paul and Ryan. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Angelina Balistreri (Giuseppe) and Bertha Palmer (Roy), dear uncle to Andrew Balistreri (Mary), Anna Reay (Jonathan), Paula Brillon, and many cousins.

John was the owner/operator of Little Tom's Grotto and Manzella's Seafood Loft, both in Hayward, CA, over a span of 40 years. He will always be remembered for his love and knowledge of seafood and his many catered crab feeds.

John also held many offices during his lifetime, including Director of the100 Club of Alameda (1975 to the present), served 3 terms on the State Board of the Guide Dogs for the Blind (1984-2003), served on the Alameda County Grand Jury, Director Emeritus of the California Restaurant Association, Past Honorary Member of the Hayward Education Foundation, Advisor Board Member for the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs (1989 – 2005) and long-term member of the Madonna Addolorata of Saints Peter & Paul Church in San Francisco.

Services will be held at St. Raymond Church, 11555 Shannon Ave., Dublin, CA 94568 on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Visitation is 1–2 p.m. with Mass following at 2-3 p.m. Reception following Mass will be announced.

Private Interment at the Italian Cemetery in Colma, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950 or the Martin C. Kauffman 100 Club of Alameda County, 767 Brannan Place, Concord, CA 94518.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Manzella

8 Entries

Patty Goodman

February 3, 2025

I was thinking about you in heaven today, John.
You are sorely missed as we near the 10th anniversary of your passing. You made an impact on so many lives. You were such a good friend to me. The memories I have of you at Little Tom´s Grotto at Grand Lanes when I was 14 (my first job) to having the privilege of serving on the 100 Club board with you. I´ll never forget your taking me to the Guide Dogs facility after I had lost my Golden Retriever. What a memorable day. Also for the support you gave me when you were trying so hard to get me on the State Guide Dogs board. Just knowing you made me happy, my friend. And Lola...such a classy, beautiful woman as is your beloved daughter, Janice. Your family will always mean the world to us.
God bless you in heaven, John.
Love,
Patty and Larry Goodman

frank hernandz

May 17, 2015

my heart is saddened mr.m was a good friend like a father to me he taught me a lot about life his lessons stayed with me too this day god bless you mr.m thank you for everything

Karen Zappettini

April 3, 2015

I was saddened to hear of Mr. M'S passing. I have always admired him. It was a privilege to work at Manzella's Seafood Loft. I will always be thankful for all the opportunities that he and Lola gave me. My love to Lola..

Al Proietti

March 30, 2015

Dear Lola and family,
We are saddened to hear of John's passing. The five of us will miss his straight talk, fun anecdotes and his likable approach to everyone at the barbershop. He was my dad's good friend.

March 26, 2015

Lola and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow and loss. May God bless you and bring you comfort.
Nancy D'Amico and Marilyn Law Families

March 26, 2015

Dear Lola and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was such a nice person and so loyal to Guide Dogs for the Blind for so many years. He will be greatly missed. It saddens my heart to think I will no longer see him at our SF Holiday Luncheon. John was a legend. I remember the days he served on the State Guide Dog Board and the Golf Tournaments thru Manzella's Loft. John was very well respected by all who worked at Guide Dogs.
Take care and know you are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Pat Blachley, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.

March 26, 2015

John was more than a board member and strong supporter; he was a friend. My heart goes out to his wife, Lola and their family. He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity. -- Joanne Ritter

James "Bruce" Coleman

March 25, 2015

RIP my 50+ year friend.
You filled so many voids in my life, father figure, boss, leader, educator and mentor.
I will always be indebted to you and Lola for your help and support.
Nor can I ever express my gratitude for your kindness and friendship.
You even made washing dishes and cracking 2000 crabs, fun and worthwhile.
Godspeed John. I would have been honored to be your son.

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