Michael Manna

Michael J. Manna, 93, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully, Saturday, April 5th, 2008 in the Shrewsbury Nursing home, surrounded by his devoted family. Michael's wife and partner of 70 years, Libra A. "Betty" (Bacchiochi) Manna, passed away last Sunday, March 30th. He is survived by his children, Donald M. Manna with whom he lived and his wife Jean Manna, Joyce M. Anderson and her husband Robert C. of Holden; two brothers, George Manna in Georgia and Joseph Manna in Puerto Rico; two sisters, Nicola Wyman and Angela Manna both of Shrewsbury; four grandchildren; Deborah, Robin, Michael and Derek; thirteen great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. A brother, Angelo and three sisters, Antoinette Bartels, Teresa Harley and Dorothy Barbato, pre deceased him. Michael was born in Portland, Maine, grew up and graduated from North High School, in Worcester, a son of Joseph and Josephine (Pacillo) Manna and has lived in Shrewsbury more than 58 years. Michael worked many years as a machinist for the former Crompton-Knowles Company before retiring in 1972. He then worked as a driver for the Shrewsbury Senior Citizen bus over 15 years. He was an active church member of St Anne's in Shrewsbury and its men's club, the Greendale Retired men's club and the Adelphi Council Knights of Columbus until the age of 89. Michael was active in the Shrewsbury Little League and co-founded Shrewsbury Babe Ruth League, earning winning manager it's first year. He was an excellent sports standout in Baseball, Football and Track at North High School, later becoming a semi-pro pitcher for the Worcester Industrial Baseball League. Michael was an avid Golfer and enthusiastic Red Sox fan. Michael's funeral will be held Tuesday, April 8th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester, with a mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. Burial will follow next to his wife in Mt. View Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 8th in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472. The Manna family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Shrewsbury Nursing Home for the excellent care and compassion they gave to our father.