Rick M. Manzella, 75, of Portland passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening, January 13, 2022 with his loving family at his side, following a brief illness. He was born on July 3, 1946 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Liborio and Fredora (Mawhir) Manzella.
A lifelong resident of the area, Rick attended Brocton Central School and graduated with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, he enlisted with the U.S. Marines and served two tours during the Vietnam conflict and was honorably discharged in 1968. Upon returning home, Rick began a career with the Village of Brocton as an electrical line worker, retiring in 2002 after 30 years of service there. Following retirement, he managed and operated his grape farm, known as Manzella Farms.
Rick was one of three of the longest lifetime members of the J.W. Dill Post 434 American Legion of Brocton. He was also a member of the Westfield VFW, lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, National Grape Co-Op, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, a former trustee of 16 years with the Town of Portland, and an exempt member of the Portland Volunteer Fire Department.
In his spare time, he enjoyed getting away and going on cruises and spending time with his late wife, Laura and his beloved family.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Susan Manzella; his sisters, Kathleen (Larry) Thies and Julie (Tim) Matthews; brothers, Michael (Nancy) Manzella, Thomas (Deanne) Manzella and Robert (Katherine) Manzella; stepdaughters, Karen (Terry) Dellert and Kathie (Mike) Bremer; stepson, Kevin (Rebecca) Bremer; cherished stepgrandchildren, Cullen, Caitlin, Emily, Sarah, Laura and Conor; and several stepgreat-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his loving wife, Laura, who died on December 7, 2020; his son, Lee Manzella, who died on May 29, 2019; and his sister, Sandra Heyden.
A memorial service for Rick will be held on Wednesday, January 19 at 11:00 AM at the Brocton American Legion on West Main Street in Brocton, with Pastor James Witherington officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow there. Burial will be private in Portland Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750; or to a charity of ones choice.
Funeral arrangements are being cared for and provided by the Morse Funeral Home, 51 Highland Avenue in Brocton.
