Emil J. Mana

Emil John Mana (12/24/1926 ~ 08/19/2025) Mr. Emil John Mana, 98, of Bethany, peacefully passed away in the quiet comfort of home, surrounded by his family on the morning of August 19, 2025. Emil was born in Derby on December 24, 1926, to his parents Frank and Mary (Petras) Mana. Emil saw a lot of life in his 98 years. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Emil started his working career as an apprentice for the railroad and later went on to become an accomplished machinist for the Farrell Corporation. He retired after over 30 years of dedicated hard work. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters labor union. Emil was a jack of all trades and a master of all. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix. Emil and the love of his life, Carmela "Millie" Sagnella, married on July 30, 1955, with a simple ceremony and began their lives together in Bethany. Together, they raised two wonderful children, who in turn blessed them seven grandchildren- thus growing the legacy of their love. Millie fed him well over the years, and together they enjoyed bowling, dancing, and family dinners. The last five years of Emil's life was spent perfecting his reputation as the "resident troublemaker" at The Little City Campground. He was well known and loved; the defiant curfew- breaker was brought back to his camper via the park security golf cart many times. To all those who knew him well, raise your glass of Genny Cream Ale in a toast to his life well lived. Emil's love and memory will be cherished by his two children: Linda and her husband Michael Appleby of Florida, and Stephen and his wife Stacy Mana of Bethany, with whom he made his home as well as several grandchildren: Michael & Thomas (and his wife Antoinette) Haesche, Stephen Mana, Angela & Emilly Lupo, and Christopher (and his wife Allissia) & Samantha Metty. He is also survived by four great grandchildren: Thayne, Teagan, Anthony, and Leo. Emil now joins in Heaven his beloved wife Millie, as well as his parents, several brothers and sisters, and two grandsons- Jason Mana & Phillip Lupo. Arrangements: Visitation will be held on Friday August 22, 2025 from 11am to 12pm at Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. Funeral services will begin at 12pm. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at Carrington Cemetery, Bethany. Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with all services and care for the Mana family throughout their grief journey. Please visit Emil's Tribute Wall on our website to leave your condolences, memories, and words of comfort for his family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emil J. Mana, please visit our floral store.