John H. Manilla, 96, passed away peacefully on Nov. 3, 2019. A lifelong resident of Skaneateles, John graduated from Skaneateles Central High School and attended Arnold College.
In 1942, John left college to enlist in the 8th Army Air Force and was stationed outside of London, England. He served his nation proudly as a waist gunner on a B-17, flying 33 missions over enemy territory. After the war, he graduated from the State University of New York at Delhi. Upon graduation, he started the John H. Manilla Construction Company which he owned and ran for 50 years.
John was very active in his local community. He was a member of many organizations including the Skaneateles American Legion Post 239, former president of the Skaneateles Rotary Club, 65-year member of the Skaneateles Fire Department, the Home Builders Association of Central New York, the Skaneateles Country Club and St. Mary’s of the Lake Church.
John was predeceased by his parents, James and Mary Manilla, his brother, Paul, and his sister, Martha. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 63 years, Marty; his brother, S. James; his four children – John J. (Stephanie) and sons, Martin and James of Fairport, N.Y.; Cynthia A. McGovern (Tom) and children, Meghan, Tommy and Patrick of Sherman, TX; Beth Sandora (Joe) and children, Stephen, Michael and Jenny of Yardley, PA.; and Martha Major (Mark) and children Kevin, Michael and Madeline, also of Yardley, PA, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles, followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a scholarship fund in John’s name. Donations may be made to the John H. Manilla Scholarship Fund, American Legion Post 239, PO Box 24, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
The family would like to give special thanks to the extraordinary caregivers at Upstate Medical Center, 9th floor units F and G.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
