Philip S. Manzi

After a brief illness and surrounded by his daughters, Philip Salvatore Manzi, Jr., age 87, went peacefully to his heavenly home at 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at the Veteran's Community Living Center at Fitzsimmons, Aurora, CO, where he resided since 2015. His devotion to his family and his faith in God supported him throughout his lifetime and during his final days. Arrangements were made by the Ponderosa Valley Funeral Home in Parker, CO. A small gathering was held on Friday, April 19, with family and friends honoring him at the home of his daughter, Denise Hendricks, in Castle Rock, CO. A memorial gravesite service will be held at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery in De Soto, TX, at a date to be determined, where he will be buried with military honors. Mr. Manzi, was the husband of the late Sylvia Todd, of Round Rock, TX whom he married in 2005, and of the late Valerie Zacchia, of Bridgeport, CT, whom he married in1958. He was born in 1931, son of the late Philip Manzi, Sr. and the late Angela DiCerbo of New Haven, CT. He was part of a large and loving Italian family. As a young man he held a number of jobs where he worked in a tailor shop for a short time, then at Musano's Restaurant where his father worked as a chef. He also worked as a cook at Pat Mckean's Restaurant before entering the Army. He was a Corporal in the Army and served during the Korean conflict during the German Occupation from 1950 – 1952, where he also worked as a cook. Afterwards, he served in the Army Reserve for 1 year and was honorably discharged in June of 1953. Mr. Manzi spent the majority of his career working for the Automatic Tolls Systems in CT before transferring to Texas where he eventually retired with the Texas Turnpike Authority. While living in CT he also operated his own appliance repair business, as well as performing odd jobs and service for his home Parish rectory and convent at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT. Mr. Manzi is survived by his 2 brothers, Nicholas G. Manzi (Carmelina) of North Haven, CT and John J. Manzi (Judy) of Folly Beach, SC, as well as 4 daughters, Diane Allison (Brad) of San Antonio, TX, Denise Hendricks of Castle Rock, CO, Rita Clements of St. Louis, MO, and Dina Wood (Brian) of Lewisville, TX, as well as 7 grandchildren, Amanda Tillery (Jeremy) of Lewisville, TX, Jonas Avrin (Nicole) of Danbury, CT, Philip Greer (Catherine) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, Delia Tyson of Portland, OR, Heidi Tyson of St. Louis, MO, Nolan Tyson of Pocahontas, IL, Eric Wood of Lewisville, TX, and 2 great grandchildren, Benjamin and Adeline Greer of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Mr. Manzi was predeceased by his sister Darlene Tammaro of North Haven, CT. Mr. Manzi is lovingly remembered as being a dedicated provider for his family, loved to tinker, he was the king of sick jokes, always charming, never met a stranger, always made quick friends everywhere he went, he could pick up any instrument and play it by ear, he was always kind hearted to his girls and his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of loving care and support by family and friends and wish to especially thank all the staff, social workers, nurses and caregivers at the Veteran's Community Living Center at Fitzsimmons, and the Hospice Team at Suncrest. The family is very grateful for the spiritual ministry provided by Fr. Jorge Aguera, Pastor of St. Pius X Parish, Aurora, who provided Anointing of the Sick to Mr. Manzi and prayer and encouragement to his daughters. The family wishes to note that during Mr. Manzi's final days he reverted to speaking Italian much of the time and Fr. Aguera was able to make a special connection with him by speaking in Italian to him, which was a great blessing to Mr. Manzi and the family. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choosing.