Obituary of Patricia Anne Manfredi
Patricia Anne Manfredi (Wolczanski), 82, of Martinsville, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, NJ. Patty was born in Yonkers, NY, on July 12, 1941, to John Wolczanski, who immigrated from Poland, and Frances Teleshuk Wolczanski. Patty grew up in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. After marrying her sweetheart, Ralph Manfredi, the couple moved to North Plainfield, NJ, and then to Martinsville, NJ, where she has resided since 1978. They raised two wonderful children and created a welcoming and warm home that they generously shared with family and friends.
Patty graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Perth Amboy. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Montclair State University and completed advanced graduate studies with the aspiration of completing a PhD. After her graduate studies, Patty devoted over 40 years to Piscataway High School, first as an English teacher and later as a guidance counselor.
In her early years, Patty was a parishioner of Saint Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Perth Amboy. For more than four decades, she faithfully served the Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, lector, and occasionally a cantor.
Patty lived a life of service. She embodied kindness and generosity in her work and family life. As a teacher and guidance counselor, Patty used her ample wisdom to support countless students in dealing with the most challenging circumstances, treating them always with dignity, respect, and compassion. She inspired both her students and her colleagues, among whom she was a valued and highly respected member of the community. Retirement did not end her years of service and she went on, teaching English as a second language to nuns and assisting others in earning their master's degrees.
Patty’s zest for life and her beautiful sense of humor also lifted up those around her. For family and friends, she prepared traditional Polish and Italian dishes and shared her love of good food with all. Patty also had an abiding sense of curiosity about the world, and always loved learning more. This led her on several epic travel adventures, including spending time in Italy, Poland, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
Her partner in life and love, her beloved husband, Ralph Patrick Manfredi, predeceased her in November 2022. Patty was part of a close knit extended family and community, and she persevered through this loss, continuing her work in the church and maintaining her profound faith.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion with her children, Marissa Manfredi Coyne and her husband David Coyne, and Patrick John “PJ” Manfredi, and her four grandchildren, Amanda Manfredi, Tyler Coyne, Dylan Coyne, and Mason Coyne. She will also be missed by her extended family and community of friends and former students.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday, April 17, at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A funeral mass in celebration of her life will be conducted at 10 AM on Thursday, April 18, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1890 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville, NJ 08836.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church or to the Martinsville Rescue Squad, 1771 Washington Valley Rd, Martinsville, NJ 08836.
Patricia Anne Manfredi will be remembered as a beacon of kindness and generosity, a mentor to many, and a friend to all. Her enduring spirit and the love she shared will continue to inspire those who knew her.
