John Matthew Manzo

John Matthew Manzo of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away in his home on January 19, 2018, at the age of 83. John was a loving husband of 55 years to Betty Jean Manzo, a dedicated father to 7 children, and a devoted grandfather to 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A committed family man, there was nothing more important to John than his family. Growing up in Philadelphia, John had a passion for sports and music. When he wasn’t playing baseball and soccer, he was playing in a band called The Quin-tones. But John’s true love was his high school sweetheart, Betty, who he married in 1954. John graduated from La Salle University in Philadelphia, where he played varsity soccer and participated in the Army ROTC Program. After college, he accepted his commission into the United States Army as Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps. John had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Colonel. He served in Vietnam as Commander of the 62nd Maintenance Battalion. He also served two tours in Europe, assigned to the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Belgium and the U.S. Joint Advisory Group in Spain. Later in his career, he served at the Pentagon as Chief of the International Logistics Support and Security Assistance Policy Division. John received numerous medals and commendations for his 24 years of outstanding service, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. John is survived by six children, Ann Manzo, John Manzo, Steven Manzo, Beth Brooks, Lisa Ahmann, and Karen Dubicki. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Manzo, and his daughter, Mary Benyo. A funeral mass will be held on April 26, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway in Alexandria, Virginia. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Operation Homefront, an organization dedicated to serving the military, veterans, and their families.