Edward J. Manzi

Edward J. Manzi, 99, passed peacefully away on October 26, 2023. He was husband to Dorothy Manzi who passed on in 2021 at age 93. While saddened at his passing, his family had been blessed with an extraordinary amount of time to have both parents who had enjoyed life to the very end of their days.

Ed was born February 17, 1924 to Gaetano (Tom) and Rosalie Manzi. Originally from Waterbury, Ed’s family moved to Main Street Woodbury and after several ventures opened Manzi’s Restaurant, a popular Italian eatery. As a young man he worked in the family business.  In high school Ed played baseball and basketball, setting a scoring record in Basketball that held for many years. He also played drums in a band. In 1943 Ed joined the Army and served in Europe during the war. Has was a Staff Sgt with the 569th AAA Battalion and fought through France and Germany, receiving a unit commendation for action during the crossing of the Rhine. He was very proud of his service. He returned home in 1946 and attended Post Junior College. He enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and served from 1949 to 1952. In 1953 Ed started Woodbury Insurance in a spare room in his parent’s Main Street home. Two years later he moved across the street to an office where he operated the agency for 52 years. During his time in the insurance industry, he met and helped countless individuals and families with their insurance needs. Through conventions and family trips he also managed to visit over 20 countries. At 80 years old Ed retired from Woodbury Insurance, only to join his son Ray at Manzi Insurance a year later. At age 84 he finally retired for good. His loves were family, golf, food, golf, Cape Cod, and friends. He maintained his sharp wit to the very end.

Ed truly loved Woodbury and was involved in many organizations. His involvement included the Woodbury Board of Tax Review, Woodbury Assistant Treasurer, Woodbury Board of Finance, the Woodbury Cemetery Association, and the Woodbury Lions Club of which he was a member for 69 years.

The only curse of living to 99 is that you outlive many of your family, friends, and peers. Ed will now be joining so many of these special people that have paved the way, too many to mention here. He does leave son Guy, with wife Paula, daughter Patricia, with husband Alfonso Sollami, son Ray, and daughter-in-law Dana. Grandchildren Craig, Megan, Christopher (Stephanie), and Anthony (Jenna). Great grandkids Olivia, Emilia, Charlotte, and a great grandson arriving next month.

The family wishes to thank all the caregivers in both Cape Cod, MA and Pelham, AL for enriching his life with care and compassion. They became part of our extended family.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, November 10 in the New North Cemetery in Woodbury to be followed by a celebration of life from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at Elenni’s Restaurant, 40 Sherman Hill, Woodbury. All are welcome to join the celebration.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Woodbury Lions Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 314, Woodbury, CT  06798. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuenralhome.com.

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