Emmanuel L. “Manny” Ferrito

Emmanuel L. Ferrito, “Manny,” age 103 of Wayne, died peacefully on February 8, 2024.

Manny grew up in Paterson, where he had lived most of his life before moving to Wayne. He graduated from Rutgers University, Phi Beta Kappa, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Languages and Literature. This education came in handy when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. Manny was assigned as an interpreter to the 2675th Army Regiment, Allied Military Government, serving in Italy. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the EAME Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Presidential Meritorious Unit Award, and the Victory Medal. Upon returning to civilian life, Manny considered becoming a schoolteacher, but he learned that a job with the Veterans Administration would earn him more. Thus began his career with the Federal Government that lasted for more than forty years. He had worked for the VA, the Social Security Administration in the NJ-NY Regional Service Area rising to Manager of the Hohokus office, the General Services Administration in NJ as a Contract Officer, and as a Hearing Office for Medicare in New Jersey.

Manny remained passionate about education, despite not choosing a career as a teacher. He volunteered as a tutor for the Literacy Volunteers of America and the Paterson Library Literacy program for many years. He was also active in his Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Michael’s Church, Paterson, as President of the Parish Council, of the Holy Name Society, and of the Honor Guard (ushers). He was the Organizational Representative for the St. Michael’s Boy Scout Troop 23, as well as the co-chairman of the founding committee for the building of St. Gerard Majella RC Church in Paterson. After moving to Wayne, he became an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley RC Church, Wayne, where he taught Christian Doctrine classes and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of the Pastoral Care Program at the Preakness Health Care Center, Wayne. His Christian faith was foundational to his character, he lived it every day, and he cared selflessly for the well being of his fellow man. He will be missed by many who experienced his kindness and loved him.

Manny is survived by two children: Michael and his wife Suzanne, and Oresta; three grandchildren: Brian, Mark & Summer, and Tricia & her husband Jason; five great-grandchildren: Dylan, Aubrey, Sam, Andrew, and Madelaine; a brother: George and his wife Theresa, and many nieces and nephews. Manny was predeceased by his wife Florence in 2015; by his three sisters: Gaetana (Ida), Carmela (Milly), and Josephine; by his brother: Msgr. Joseph L. Ferrito; and by his parents: John and Maria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Salesian Sisters, 659 Belmont Avenue, N. Haledon, NJ 07505 would be appreciated.