Anthony J. Manafo, age 90, went peacefully to be with the Lord at his home in Edinboro, Pa on March 16, 2012. Anthony was also known as Tony or “A.J.”, but best known as “Papa”. Mr. Manafo was born on April 24, 1921 in Wesleyville, PA, son of the late Anthony and Conchetta Manalaro Manafo. He attended North East High School. Anthony served in the US Army Air Corps as a navigator during World War II and also served with the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged from the service, he attended Penn State University from 1956 until 1960.

Manafo, Anthony J.On November 14, 1947, Anthony married the love of his life, Mary Crawford. They moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL where Anthony worked as an operations manager of many condominiums. In 1980, they returned to Edinboro to be with their family and he began work with Gecac as a manager of their training programs. Following his retirement in 1998, Anthony enjoyed life visiting with friends and family and frequently enjoyed cooking ribs and ham for them. If anyone needed anything and made their request known, Anthony would always be there to lend a helping hand. He loved his dog, “Maddie”, more than anything in this world. She was his best friend and food buddy.

Anthony is survived by two sons – Mark Manafo and his wife, Debbie of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Terry Manafo and his wife, Sydne of Cambridge Springs; five grandchildren – Brooke McKissock and Jami Manafo both of Cambridge Springs; Amanda Manafo of Pittsburgh; Mark Manafo of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Nicole Manafo of Savanna, GA. Also surviving are five great grandchildren – Cullen, Emilee, and Kendyl McKissock; Zoee Mott; and Mya Rubner. Also a sister -Vivian Palmer and her husband, Donald of Rockford, IL; his dear friends -Jerry and Nancy Paul of Aliquippa, PA; and his caregiver – Vanessa Powell of McKean. Preceding Anthony in death was his loving wife, Mary Crawford Manafo; his parents; his ten brothers and sisters, and his best friend – his dog, Maddie.

Friends and family may call on Friday, March 23rd from 6-9 at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home at 306 Erie Street, Edinboro and are invited to attend funeral services there at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning with Reverend Father William Sutherland, pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Winter Green Gorge Cemetery. The family sincerely thanks the care their loved one received from Hospice of Crawford County.