Obituary of Vito V. Manzari

Elmira: Age 92, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Vito was born and raised in Elmira a son of Joseph and Cora (Delario) Manzari. He is predeceased by his sister Laura Drake-Stephenson and sister-in-law Theresa Manzari. Vito is survived by his wife Giovanna Maria (Tanzella) Manzari, whom he married on June 29, 1959 in Casamassima, Italy; children: Cora Maria (Jefre) Tschudi of La Plata MD with children, Giovanna Dapaixao (fiancé Jeraurd Richardson) and Lilianna Joy Tschudi...Carmela Manzari (Robert) Wilson of Santa Fe NM...Joseph (Bonnie) Manzari of Elmira...John (Timm Gonzales) Manzari of Santa Fe NM...Maria Manzari (Adam) King of Santa Fe NM with children, Gabriel Manzari King and Sophia Marie King... Christopher (Mandy) Manzari of Elmira with children, Anthony Joseph Manzari and Vito John Manzari; great-grandson Joseph Harper Gray; twin brother Joseph Manzari of Albany NY; brother and sister-in-law Dr. Jack and Sharon Manzari of Mineral VA; sister- in-law Pina Larucci of Chicago IL; along with several nieces and nephews. Industrious his entire life, Vito started working as a youngster at Manzari's. At an early age he became a real estate investor in the area. Vito loved Elmira, his hometown, and the denizens of the community. He would engage anyone he encountered in conversation and, in the process, inform them of things they never knew about themselves or their families...he knew everything and everyone...he was the internet before the internet, and a master of words that always came true...he was a euchre player who would only partner up with those he considered his equal...he loved sports and was known to catch a professional game whenever permitted...he survived epidemics, wars, disasters, and economic ups and downs...he was a recycler before recycling became a thing...he was a jokester and a storyteller with an infectious laugh... he loved life, his family, his friends and his patrons...it was very important to Vito for his family to sit around the table and share a meal that never seemed to end. He brought the same love and light he bestowed upon his family to those patrons that frequented his family business, which is fast approaching the century mark. Known for his famous spaghetti and meatballs, it is estimated Vito rolled enough meatballs to go to the Moon and back. Like Frank Sinatra, Vito did it his way and is now playing amongst the stars. Vito will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Family and friends are invited to Vito's Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 9, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira. Private interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery.