Rosario John Mannuzza, Jr, 78, of Ridgefield, surrounded by family, died peacefully in his home, “The Croft,” on February 2, 2022. His 14-year battle with Parkinson’s disease was done with style, grit, and grace. He was the loving husband of Jeanette (Iannuzzi) Mannuzza.

Called “John” by family and friends, he was born in New York City on February 28, 1943, the son of the late Rosario and Orsola (Rossi) Mannuzza.

He earned an undergraduate and masters degree from St John’s University, where he was manager of the Redmen basketball team, on the crew team, and a fraternity brother of TKE. He found his life’s love, Jeanette, while attending St John’s and took extra studies so they could graduate together.

A resident of Ridgefield since 1979, John capped a 44-year business career with 15 years as the Assistant Controller for the Town of Ridgefield. He held previous positions in finance and management for the University of Bridgeport, PepsiCo, and Union Carbide. John was also the project manager for the new Scott Ridge Middle School, one of many tasks that he truly enjoyed working on (of course on-time and on budget).

John was a parishioner of St Mary’s Church of Ridgefield. He volunteered with Ridgefield youth sports and Boy Scouts.

“King R. John,” as he was lovingly tagged by family, enjoyed stargazing with his family, canoeing, home projects, sports, boating, tubing grandkids on Candlewood Lake, flying kites, loved a succession of small pet dogs, and a good cigar. When he became a father and husband, he was devoted to his children and family life. His life’s work was “of service to others,” and he felt blessed to share the love of his family. When asked what he was most proud of for his family, he replied “not prideful” with a nod to his quiet stoicism, dry humor, yet deep love of family.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanette, and their two children: Stacy Batten and her husband, Howard, and Ross Mannuzza and his wife, Julie Schwartz. John is also survived by eight grandchildren: Ethan, Sydney, Allison, and Samantha Riley, Cole Mannuzza, and Brooke, Blake, and Grant Untiedt. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Vivi Mannuzza, and her husband, Stephen; his niece, Olivia Cohen; his nephew, Simon Cohen; and his brother-in-law, John Iannuzzi, and his wife, Eve.

Particular thanks go to HoneyBee Home Care and staff, and Regional Hospice of Danbury for their exemplary service to R. John and his family.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, February 7, 2022, from 4 to 7 pm at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 10 am at St Mary’s Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place in St Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield, in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to: Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org; Founders Hall of Ridgefield, founders-hall.org; or Regional Hospice of Danbury, regionalhospicect.org.