Obituary: Dr. John R. Manzella, 75

Dr. John R. Manzella, 75, of Freehold Township died Monday, Oct. 24 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown, PA. Manzella was born in Down Neck section of Newark. A product of parochial schools, he attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and St. Benedicts Preparatory both of Newark. Lettering in three sports (football, baseball, & track) at St. Benedicts Preparatory, Manzella found his love for football. He excelled at the tackle position from 1951 through 1953, which spawned his nomination to the Newark Hall Of Fame in 2008. 

Upon graduation, Manzella matriculated at Fairleigh Dickenson College, Rutherford, preparing for a career in medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. To fulfill his ambition in medicine, Manzella, studied at the University of Padova, Italy, graduating with honors in 1965. Manzella interned at St. Michael’s Hospital, Newark, establishing a residency in general surgery. 

At the conclusion of his residency, Manzella transferred to the United Cripple Children’s Hospital, Newark. For the next three years, he specialized in Orthopedic Surgery. Manzella spent his Saturdays during the football season on the sideline of each Barringer High School football game acting as the team physician. He was a US Navy Veteran, serving as a lieutenant commander, and was discharged in 1972.

Manzella was a resident of Freehold Township for over 40 years. He served Freehold as a physician on staff at for 31 years and on the Board of Trustees for 17 years. Manzella was a member of the Knights of Columbus.    

Manzella had a bigger than life personality and a heart of gold. He loved his profession, his patients and his love for family was paramount in his life. Manzella was an avid fisherman and loved the water.  Everyone Manzella knew was lucky and everyone he loved was blessed. 

He was predeceased by his father, Victor Manzella. Manzella is survived by his wife of 34 years, Michele Fede Manzella; eight children, Dr. Edward Manzella and his wife, Jodi, Dr. Victor Manzella and his wife, Genny, Luisa Chase and her husband, Rick, Lynn Decker and her husband Dave, Dr. John “Jack” Manzella, Jr. and his wife, Dr. Colleen, Jay Manzella and his wife, Meredith, Matt Manzella and his wife, Erica, and Zack Manzella; thirteen grandchildren, Nikki, John, Helena, Danny, Derick, Edward, Lili, Katie, Maura, David, Victor, Michael, and Jax; and three great-grandchildren.

Visiting at the , 100 Elton-Adelphia Road in Freehold Township on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Rite of Committal at the funeral home on Friday, Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. followed by his 10 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 16 McLean Street in Freehold Borough. Entombment will follow at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Dr. Manzella may be made to The Arc of Monmouth, 1158 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit claytonfuneralhome.com.