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Manuel Grontas Obituary
MANNY GRONTAS, 74, of Woodbridge, VA died Friday, October 14, 2005 at Fairfax Hospital. He is survived by six children, Jerry and George Grontas, Alice Freeze, Jimmy Grontas, Billy Hodge and Sharon McKinney. Manny is also survived by 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Grontas was a resident of Woodbridge since 1959. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Sgt. during the Korean Conflict. Manny was the owner of Manny Moon Pizzarant for 43 years. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2005, 12 Noon until 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at THE MOUNTCASTLE FUNERAL HOME, 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City, VA where funeral services will be held Friday, October 21, 2005 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery. If desired contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 124 Park St. S.E., Vienna, VA 22180-0699.
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Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Grontas
Mike Lewko.
October 14, 2021
Sitting here on a date that will sadden me the rest of my life. 16 years ago l lost my best friend. Manny had a heart of gold. Funny. But such a dear dear friend. Only 1 other person l spent more time with was my wife Sue. I probably spent 5 days on the average with Manny. Remember a few days before he passed. He whispered in my ear on his hospital bed too bring him a small plain pizza. Told him l would. But unfortunately he passed before l could do so. We were there fir each other. After Sue died in 2000. For at least a few months he wouldn´t leave my side. He´d known just how devastated l was. After all 32 years with her. Anyway. I think of how great our friendship was Most days he´s on my mind after 16 years. Love you. Manny
George Lewko
October 2, 2021
Manny and l were best friends. He is still missed too this day 16 years later. He was close too my entire family. Sue,,sherry and Brandon. When l lost Sue suddenly in August 2000. If was because of him that l was able too get by. We spent many days together in the 35 years l knew him. Such a great dear friend. Always there. You are missed sorely my dear friend. Mike
Karen and Charles Attreed
October 28, 2005
We missed "Manny" long before he left us. We moved to Dale City in the late 1960's with little extra money for restaurant eating and there were few to enjoy anyway. However, Manny's was a place where we could take the children, enjoy a fine meal, and not break the budget. We took a visiting uncle there, who was very critical of restaurants, and he raved about the food and service. Truly Manny was a devoted businessman interested in his community. His establishment and he are truly missed by us pioneers of the early Dale City area. Thank you for sharing him with us.
wendy mccray
October 25, 2005
Alice, I got to know "MANNY" as a child growing up with the kids, Sherry, Gary, Jacob, and Jarod....and also experiencing the ITALIAN surprise from the Stafford location....I am very sorry for your loss and express my deepest condolences....
Joelle Chochowski
October 22, 2005
It's been years since I've been home to Virginia, however, I still have great memories of eating at Manny's resturant. I had to pleasure of working in the Stafford location during high school. Manny was a wonderful, loving, caring and a very giving person. I can't count how many times I received my "free pizza" for my birthday (by the way - it was the best pizza in town). Manny will be truly missed, he was such an inspiration to all. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless.
Shayne & Tamey Havener(Lisenby aka girlfriend #1)
October 22, 2005
Manny was like a 2nd father to me & the girlfriend's! We all hung out there because it was like a 2nd home. Manny used to take Alice to concerts & we would join them there. Manny's annual Christmas party was like old Woodbridge gathering each year and you knew no one would go home hungry from the special preparations the Grontas family provided. The birthday pizza was just one of many outward expressions of generosity Manny showed. Unfortunately that seems to be a by-gone era. And we were fortunate to include his immediate family as our extended family. So many memories will always be cherished in our hearts. His legacy will live on in each of us. We love you Manny & just love the fact that God has a special angel smiling down on us now!
Geoff Brown
October 22, 2005
One could only hope to touch as many lives in a positive way as was done by Manny Grontas. He was a good man. He understood the meaning of community; sponsoring countless teams, being a judge at the annual Marumsco Woods Labor Day parade, giving young people their first job. I have many fond memories of Manny’s; birthdays, team parties, eating out with my family. I remember eating Manny’s pizza with my wife on our first date. Manny’s was a special place, a true family restaurant for patrons and employees. To all those who knew and loved Manny and especially to his family, we express our most heartfelt and sincerely condolences for your loss. "Riposarsi nella pace il mio amico."
Sandy Sampson
October 21, 2005
My deepest sympathies to the Grontas family. Manny was a very special person & will be sorely missed.
JERRY,MARY,PAT&DONNA
October 21, 2005
NOW WE HAVE PROOF.....THERE IS LIFE ON THE MOON
"MANNY GRONTAS
(the moon man )
THE VINEY FAMILY DONNA (CA)
October 21, 2005
WHAT MORE CAN ONE SAY ABOUT SUCH A WONDERFUL AND LOVING MAN THAT HASN'T ALREADY BEEN SAID.OUR ENTIRE FAMILY WORKED THERE AS WELL. NEVER A DULL MOMENT THERE "ESPECIALLY CARRYOUT" CAUSING ALL KINDS OF HAVIC WITH THE JUKE BOX,CANDY MACIHINES,AND MOST OF ALL IN THE KITCHEN.HAVING PIZZA DOUGH FIGHTS,AND THEN SOME.(SORRY MANNY FOR ANY MESSES :[ WE'RE ALL BUSTED!!IT WAS KINDA LIKE MANNYS VERSION OF THE T.V. SHOW "CHEERS" WITH THE LOCALS SITTIN AT THE CARRYOUT COUNTER SAYING (HEY NORM) haha
WHAT A SHINING STAR YOU WERE AND ALWYAYS BE..TO OUR FAMILY,AND OTHERS AS WELL! SO WHEN WE NEED YOUR COMFORT OR SUPPORT, JUST LOOK UP INTO THE SKY, AND THERE YOU'LL SEE HIM JUMPING OVER THE MOON,haha SO IN HIS HONOR "A STAR" HAS BEEN NAMED AFTER HIM!! AS THEY SAY "HE WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING DOWN ON US ALL! LITERRALLY. I'M SURE HE IS EITHER, AT THE RACE TRACK,OR MAKING PIZZAS,WITH ALL OUR LOVED ONES HE HAS MET UP WITH MANNY, DON'T FORGET TO GIVE THEM XOXOs FROM US ALL.MANNY,IN OUR HEARTS YOU'LL ALWAYS STAY AND EVEN BETTER,YOU'LL NEVER BE FAR AWAY.AND WHEN OUR TIME COMES TO BE WITH YOU AGAIN,WE'LL HAVE NO DOUBT YOU'LL HAVE OUR JOBS READY AND WAITING :}
FOREVER LOVED AND REMEMBERD
THE VINEY FAMILY
DAD and MOM (XOXO FROM US)
JERRY,MARY,PAT,AND DONNA
*TO THE FAMILY,THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO BE A PART OF YOUR FAMILY,AND SHARING YOUR FAMILIES UNCONDIONAL AND UNLIMITED LOVE AND SUPPORT.WE HAVE ALL BEEN BLESSED. HONOR.
Johanne Mullarkey
October 21, 2005
Nick and I were so very sad to hear of Manny's passings. We have such wonderful memories of him and of "Manny's"
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Johanne Mullarkey and Nick Ferlazzo
Linda Masching
October 21, 2005
We are blessed that Manny came into our neighborhood many years ago and touched our hearts forever.
Linda Masching (Steele)
Donnie, David and Danny
Linda Masching
October 21, 2005
We are blessed that Manny came to our neighborhood many years ago and touched our hearts forever.
Linda (Steele) Masching
Donnie, David and Danny
Bob Comstock
October 21, 2005
Manny was so much a part of our lives, beginning with the Iwo Jima Grill in Triangle and on to Manny's Moon. Always a smile and pleasant words! My prayers are for the family and know that Manny is now in good hands...
Suzanne Basham-Princiotta
October 20, 2005
I want to express my sincere condolences to the Grontas family on the loss of Manny. My family moved from DC in 1961 to Marumsco Hills. There wasn't even Marumsco Hills shopping center yet. Rt. 1 had an Acme grocery, a tacky old hamburger place and many gas stations. My brother and I were very unhappy until we discovered Manny Moon's Pizza Restaurant. Your family made the best steak subs, launchers, pizzas and milkshakes we ever had, including our favorite places in town. But what made it the very best was the man himself, Mr. Manny. He was such a happy, colorful character. As we went through our teens we came with our friends and always had good service and great food. I remember the first time I ate in the remodeled back room with the mural of Italy on the wall with my then boyfriend. Such good memories of a great neighborhood landmark. Manny is part of my childhood I'll always treasure. I know you will miss him every day like I do my mom and dad, but know that they're all up there sharing a laugh and eating very well. God Bless you at this difficult time.
mickey dent
October 20, 2005
i grew up in woodbridge and manny was my first boss, my mom, peg heggenstaller and my sister, claudia worked at manny's. we went to school and played with the kids - we shared weddings, babies being born and the loss of loved ones - manny will always be remembered in our hearts as a permanent part of our lives and woodbridge itself - you are all in our thoughts and prayers - mickey dent and the entire heggenstaller family
Joe and Janice chochowski
October 20, 2005
We are sadden to hear about Manny's passing. We have so many fond memories at his restaurant. May he rest in god's grace.
Barry Burress
October 20, 2005
Growing up working for my father at the Handy Dandy Market, I got to know Manny well over the years. He was a kind, caring man. God Bless Manny and his family.
The Brawners
October 20, 2005
We were sorry to hear of your loss!
Manny will surely be missed by all!
May the Lord Bless you always
JERRY VINEY
October 20, 2005
OCT 20 2005
MANNY I NEVER WILL FORGET YOU
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR
FAMILY
JERRY VINEY
October 20, 2005
OCT 20 2005
MANNY WILL BE MISSED BY US ALL
GOOD TIMES GOOD FOOD GOOD PEOPLE
MANNY WOULD ALWAYS MAKE TIME FOR ME
NOW MATTER HOW BUSY HE WAS
MANNY WAS LIKE A SECOND FATHER TO
ME WISH I COULD HAVE SPENT MORE
COMMUNICATION WITH HIM
GOD BLESS YOU MANNY AND YOUR FAMILY
Vicki (White) Dotson
October 20, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the whole Grontas family. My parents (Jim & Mable White) started taking us to Manny's when we were very young and we always loved everything. I was fortunate to have shared a lot of his humor. Your father alway made everyone feel like they were part of the family. He truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Betty (Henderson) Staats
October 20, 2005
My deepest condolences to Manny's family and friends.
Renee Webber
October 19, 2005
My mom worked for Manni Moons for over 18 years, (Eleanor Webber)I grew up eating there at least 3 to 4 times a week. Manny and his family are family to me. Jimmys 610 Eatery had a Eleanor's special on the menu. :(, I am sooo sorry for this to happen to your family. Manny will be deeply missed, he had a impact on alot of lives. God Bless You...
Mike Stitts
October 19, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers to Manny's family. I had heard of Manny Moon's before moving to the woodbridge area in the late 60's. As soon as we settled in our first stop was Manny's..And we enjoyed his fine food and hospitality for over 30 years. Pizza was never the same after Manny closed. May he rest in peace.
Michael Kornacki
October 19, 2005
My earliest memory of Mr. Grontas was from my father when he took me to get pizza with my football team at Manny Moons. Mr. Grontas sponsored my father's team with EPWC Sports Club for many years. My deepest sympathies to the whole Grontas family, he will be missed and remembered for a long, long time.
Ralph Sutliff
October 19, 2005
Manny, You always had the greatest lasagna! Through all the years I worked across the street at Mountcastles and now in Florida, I've never had better. Thanks for all the birthday pizzas. You always made me feel special, yet all the while I always knew that it was you who was the special one !
Judy Rebel
October 19, 2005
We always looked forward to going to Manny's when I went to Gar-Field many years ago. When I moved away, whenever I would visit my dad would make sure we went to Manny's at least once. My dad and my mom would eat there once a week. My dad, Joe, thought your dad was a great guy. Your dad touched so many lives.
Tony Brula
October 19, 2005
I'll always remember how nice it was to come into your business and have a nice dinner. You were a good man and you can definitely look down on us and see that you touched a lot of peoples lives and those around you should know that you were a good man. God Speed
Suzette Sizemore-Jones
October 19, 2005
Manny, thank you for the greatest little pizza joint in town. You will be truly missed by many.
Terri Couleman``
October 19, 2005
We lived in Woodbridge for many years and enjoyed many meals at Manny's, you will be very missed.
Denise D Clark
October 19, 2005
Alice - we played ball together (Denise Clark (Dent)) I am so sorry. Manny was the best. My family had been going to the restaurant way before I was born, (62). Love ya!
October 19, 2005
Such a big loss to our community. I grew up eating at Manny's. Everyone knew Manny. Such a wonderful, loving man. My thoughts and prayers to Manny's family. He will be terribly missed.
Joanne (Cataldi) Hepler
October 19, 2005
My condolences to your family. I remember going to Manny Moon's for pizza many times. Dad (Joe Cataldi) would frequent Manny's quite often. We even went there for my 18th birthday in 1976 for my first "legal" beer! I have been gone from Woodbridge for 23 years now and going to Manny's was one of my good memories. Again, my condolences to all of Manny's family.
Del and Jan Pennington
October 19, 2005
We are so saddened. Manny was a part of our lives for almost fifty years and we will miss his friendship and caring.
Jimmy & Peggy Hobbs
October 19, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Manny! Manny provided our Family with good meals and friendship over many years. His presence will be missed!
Diana (Chochowski) Cooper
October 19, 2005
Alice, Jimmy and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your family and community has lost a great man. I have nothing but fond memories of your dad. I know it has been years, but I want you and your family to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Mike Robinson & Family
October 19, 2005
Alice & Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Manny. May your sorrow be softened by knowing the Manny was Loved and Respected by so many.
The Robinsons
JoAnn & Charlie Dent
October 19, 2005
Manny was good to everyone. My mother worked for him at the IWO Grill. My grandchildren also worked their first jobs for Manny. He was a great guy.
Sharon Spellman
October 19, 2005
I am so saddened to hear of Manny's death. He was a great friend to me and my family. I even had my first job at his restaurant. He was such a great man and will be very missed. My heart, love and sympathies go out to the entire family. May God bless you in this time of sorrow. Rest in peace "Manny Moon".
Tina & Nolie Abel
October 19, 2005
Manny was a very so good to all of us who grew up in Dumfries, Triangle, Quantico and Woodbridge. Gar-Field students always knew where to go to find a good time and plenty to eat. Tina & Nolie Abel
Stephen Bailley
October 19, 2005
He will be remembered for all the one liners he gave us at Knock on Wood. What a goof ball he was! God is laughing.
Sue Banach
October 19, 2005
Manny will always hold a special place in many hearts. To those lucky enough to have known him, he provided an enormous amount of love and affection, we certainly will never forget. Many memories were made at Moons, who could ever forget the numerous celebrations that were held there, especially the Birthday Pizzas. More importantly, we'll never forget Manny: dad, granddad, uncle, always a friend. Those of us who were blessed enough to have Manny in our lives will never forget him. Jerry, George, Alice, Jimmy, Billy and Sharon - our prayers are with you during these difficult times. Your dad loved everyone of you and all the wonderful grandkids, great-grandkids, spouses, and special friends you brought to him. Your dad always had a special way of letting everyone know they were part of his family. Don't hesitate to lean on your friends, we are all here for you. Take peace knowing your Dad is with our Father. Knowing Manny, he's probably teaching all of heaven how to make launchers and prepare his special "Moon" sauce. Love you all, Sue and John Banach (aka Girlfriend #3)
Pam Day
October 19, 2005
I am so sorry that this community has lost such a wonderful man. I remember many a time going to Manny's for some of the best food in the area. He will be missed.
Tommy King
October 19, 2005
Me and Jackie had know Manny for a lot of years and was very fond of him and will miss him being around. We had gone to eat at his resturant a number of a times each week until it closed. To his family we are very sad for you and hope God will help you in this time of need. My God Bless and keep Manny forever.
Always
Tom & Jackie King
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