Anthony John Manganello Jr.

Anthony John “Tony” Manganello, Jr., 80, of Tolland, unexpectedly entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at his home. Born in Hartford on April 1, 1943, a son of the late Anthony J. and Lillian R. (Dufault) Manganello, he had been a resident of Tolland for the past 47 years. He was a graduate of Hartford High School, class of 1961 and received his Associates Degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Tony was a proud veteran of the Vietnam Era with the Connecticut Air National Guard. He retired from the Air Guard as a Senior Master Sergeant of the 103rd Fighter Wing after 31 years of dedicated service to his country and state. He most recently received an award from the state of Connecticut in conjunction with the Tolland Vietnam Era Veterans Commission for his years of service.

A devout catholic and a man of strong faith, Tony was a communicant of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Vernon where he was a Eucharistic Minister. He had also been a longtime communicant of St. Peter’s Church in Hartford. Tony was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Rev. J.C. Martin Council #3901 of East Hartford. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a General Manager of Food Service by Stanley Works in New Britain. He was a talented chef who loved cooking for his family and friends to enjoy. Tony was an avid fan of UConn football and was known for his fantastic tailgate parties with delicious food. He was a former golfer, and a gardener who liked to care for his yard. He also enjoyed traveling, and being surrounded by the people he loved. Tony was a practical joker with an infectious laugh and smile. Most of all, he will be remembered as someone who took great pride in caring for everyone in his family.

Along with his partner of 50 years, John R. Bell, Tony is survived by his four brothers, Michael Manganello and his wife Kitty of Lexington, KY, Leslie Manganello and his wife Ginette of Coventry, Martin Manganello and his wife Liz of East Hartford, Curt Manganello and his wife Diane of Torrington; his special neighbor, Jane Gregonis of Tolland; his dear longtime friends from the Air Guard, Robert Gillanders and his wife Cindy of Wethersfield, Anthony Martino and his wife Terri of Wethersfield, Gene Martin and his wife Michelle of Barkhamsted; many adored nieces and nephews; cherished grandnieces and grandnephews; cousins, and dear friends. Besides his beloved parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Manganello of East Hartford, a niece, Jennifer Manganello, and a nephew, Michael Manganello.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 19, 2023 with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church of North American Martyrs Parish, Main Street/Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, (Section R-2), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Tony’s family requests that everyone please go directly to the church on Tuesday morning. Calling hours will be Monday, December 18, 2023 from 4 – 7 pm at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anthony’s name may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.