Obituary of Phillip C. Manzella
Phillip C. Manzella: A Tribute to a Remarkable Life
We fondly remember Phillip C. Manzella, age 89, born on October 12, 1934, in Queens, New York, and grew up in North Plainfield, New Jersey. Phillip's journey through life took him from South Bound Brook to South Plainfield, before settling in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where he raised his beloved family. In his retirement years, he cherished his time in Holiday City, Toms River. He passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023.
Phillip's professional legacy includes a notable tenure at M & M Packaging Corp., a family-operated military packaging business based in South Plainfield, New Jersey, where he dedicated 49 years.
His commitment to his community shone brightly through his active involvement at The Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville, New Jersey. Here, he left a lasting impact as a coach of the church's boys' basketball team, leading them to a memorable championship. His passion for sports extended to coaching Little League, where he imparted his athletic wisdom and inspired young players.
An accomplished baseball player himself, Phillip's talent was evident in high school and the Twilight League in North Plainfield. His skill even earned him a major league tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbits Field.
In his retirement, Phillip continued to embrace his love for sports, playing softball in Toms River into his 70s. Alongside his wife, Audrey, he embarked on numerous travels, exploring the wonders of Europe, the Alaskan wilderness, the Hawaiian islands, and much of the United States, often accompanied by close friends.
Phillip's passions also included horseracing, supporting the Yankees and Giants, and the excitement of Atlantic City. However, his greatest joy was found in the company of his family, whom he deeply cherished. His annual trips with his children to Spring Training in Florida to watch the Mets train, despite being a Yankee fan, were a testament to his loving and selfless nature.
Remembered as a loyal, generous, caring, loving, and selfless individual, Phillip's heart and spirit were as grand as a mountain. His positive influence touched countless lives.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 67 years, Audrey; his son, Michael; his daughter, Michelle; his son-in-law, Frank; and four grandchildren: David, Alyssa, Laura, and Alex.
He joins his late son, David, and his parents, Frank and Mary, and his sister-in-law Marge, and her husband Frank in eternal peace.
Phillip C. Manzella's beautiful soul will be deeply missed, but his legacy continues to inspire and live on in the hearts of those he touched.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on the following day on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, 1890 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ. He will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway, NJ.
