Arthur J. Manzi

Arthur J. Manzi, 92, of Paxton, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2006 at Homestead Hall in Worcester, where he has lived since last year.

He was born on December 24, 1913 in Worcester, son of Luciano and Lucia (Ungaro) Manzi. He was predeceased by brothers, Frank, Andrew, John, Albert ("Toots"), and Lucian, and a sister Emily.

He grew up on Shrewsbury St., where his family ran Manzi's Market, an Italian produce store.

He graduated from St John's High School and then from the College of the Holy Cross in 1939.

He served as an officer in the U.S. Army under General George Patton during World War II and was stationed in London, France and Germany.

After returning home, he founded the Arthur J. Manzi Insurance Agency, which he ran successfully until his retirement. He married I. Carol Madsen in 1951 and they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary in 2001. She died the following year. Together, they traveled the world, enjoying fine food, culture, and the company of good friends.

Arthur, fondly known as "Bumper," was respected for his business acumen, his love for entertaining and his Italian cooking. He was the oldest member of Wachusett Country Club, where he frequently golfed and met with friends.

He is survived by his children, Stephen A. Manzi of Sunapee, N.H. Peter J. Manzi of Sturbridge, and Carolyn Manzi and her husband Michael Fuller of Sonoma, Calif. He also leaves grandchildren, Emily "Weetie" Manzi, and Allegra and Christopher Mira, a sister-in-law, Juliette Manzi and many nephews and nieces. He was fortunate to have two devoted and treasured caretakers in Holly Dillon and Bernie Handy.

Arthur had a larger than life presence which will live on in the memories of his family and friends.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. at St Columba's Church, 18 Richards Ave., Paxton. Burial will be in Mooreland Cemetery, Paxton.

Arthur's family thanks the staff at Homestead Hall for the excellent care they provided him and suggest donations in his memory to Homestead Hall, 10 Homestead Ave., Worcester 01610.