Peter A Manno

Peter Manno was born in Frankfort, NY in 1926, the first son of Angelina and Frank Manno. He had an older sister, Vincie Sweet of Palmdale, CA; a brother, Sam, and two younger sisters Joanne and Rosemarie Manno of Sylmar, CA. The stories he told of his childhood included good food, hard work, play, and summers with his family as seasonal farm laborers picking beans in West Winfield. His mother, Angelina (Patti) made incredible bread, pizza and cookies and his enthusiasm for good Italian food and playing games continued throughout his life. At age 17 he joined the US Navy and served and survived on supply boats throughout the war. Like many vets, serving with young people from many backgrounds left him a passionate, if quiet, believer in equal rights and the goodness of all people. After the war, he married Virginia Trautner the love of his life. They had three children: Eileen Gallagher of Deltona Florida, Terri Manno, Jamesville, NY, Jack Manno, Syracuse, NY.

He was a hard-working man who put his heart and commitment to his job with the Loblaws Grocery Chain at its store in Schenectady, NY. After many years with the chain he left and ran his own store in Oneida, the legendary, Savemore Market. Later he moved to Florida where he and Ginny worked at Disneyworld and played a lot of golf. He and Ginny lived in Orange City for many years until his wife suffered from a devastating neurological illness that left her unable to move or speak. For more than two years he stayed by her side every day and cared for her. It was an incredibly moving commitment of love. It was who he was.

He had a kind heart except when playing games, which he did a lot. He played cards of all sorts and in his last days when he appeared to be "losing it," he continued to win almost every game. He is a legend at the Orange City Senior Center poker games and poetry circle (his interests were broad). He was expert at Bocce Ball and garnered several trophies from various Bocce leagues. He would make a game out of anything. At restaurants he would play with tossing sugar packs or twisting straws till they popped and snapped. He also loved to bet on the horses or greyhounds or gamble at a casino. In his later years he cultivated a love of Opera and particularly enjoyed the experience at the Glimmerglass Festival.

He is survived by his children: Eileen (Jay Gallagher), Terri (Todd Schanbacher) and Jack (Cindy Squillace); Grandchildren: Michelle (who was often at his side), Billy, Sean, Dianna, Daniel and Christopher; Great-Grandchildren: William, Julia, Joshua, Emma and Gina; his sisters Joanne & Rosemarie and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations in memory of Pete can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at http://www.jdrf.org/donate/.