Simsbury Obituary: James Manzi, 78

James C. Manzi, 78, of East Hartland passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, June 25, 2016 with his family at his side.

He was the beloved husband and best friend of Carol (Samuelsen) Manzi for 51 loving and happy years. They were blessed with two amazing daughters, Jennifer Shelansky and Allison Driver.

James was born in Ware, MA, the son of the late Caroline (Tarckini) Clement of Simsbury and John Manzi. He graduated from Canton High School and later served his country in the United States Army at Fort Bennington, GA and in Germany, where he was able to tour other nations by motorcycle. He returned home to Simsbury where he was employed for many years at Wagner Ford, and later by the Hartland School System, known by the kids as "Mr. Brownie Pants." James served as Chairman of the Board of Education in East Hartland for many years and served on the board of directors at the Springfield Rescue Mission, where he also volunteered weekly preparing and serving meals to the less fortunate.

For 10 years, Jim, together with his wife, volunteered their time in the Awana program at Westfield Evangelical Church working with the youth. He was skilled in the art of caning furniture and had a small business, Country Chair Caning. He had a terrific sense of humor and an easy manner. His deep love and trust in the Lord helped him weather his health problems without complaint.

He will be missed each and every day by his wife and daughters, two sons-in-law, Daniel Driver and Todd Shelansky; six grandchildren, Haydn Driver, Samuel Driver, Robbie Shelansky, Ben Shelansky, Tobi Shelansky, Owyn Shelansky; a special niece, Deborah Katten; a special aunt, Loretta Fahey; and many other family members and friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Manzi.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 1 p.m., at the Bethany Lutheran Brethren Church, 116 Walnut Hill Road, East Hartland. Burial with Military Honors will follow in East Hartland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that in memory of Jim and his unfailing kindness to his fellow man, donations be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9045, Springfield, MA 01102-9045 or by visiting www.hope4springfield.org/donate.