Former longtime Rumsonite, Gloria Manzi, more recently of Shrewsbury, “entered God’s loving embrace on Sunday, Dec. 17, one day shy of her 84th birthday.

“Artistic and talented, Gloria enjoyed the arts, taking up singing at Brookdale College and at local churches. She also enjoyed painting and crewel embroidery. Gloria and Joseph deeply loved traveling and exploring the United States, taking at least 35 cross-country road trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. Gloria was also a long-time parishioner of the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven.”

Loved ones of Gloria Manzi in her obituary

Born in Brooklyn, NY to Anthony and Rachel Carelli and raised in Long Branch, Gloria met the love of her life, Joseph O. Manzi, when she was working as secretary to the general at Fort Monmouth.

“They married in 1972 and began their 51 year journey together in Toms River, then Colts Neck and finally in Rumson, where they enjoyed 28 years in the home they built together.” 

Gloria is survived by: her devoted husband, Joseph O. Manzi; her loving brother, Edward Carelli, and wife Jean; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven, followed by entombment at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home