John S. Manocchio |
| Posted 2018-03-02 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, February 25, 2018, page 8a After a sudden illness, John Manocchio passed away on Feb. 5, 2018, in Palo Alto, California. His family was at his bedside. John was born in Akron Ohio, Jan. 17, 1931, to Frank and Anna (Spallino) Manocchio, who had emigrated to America from Italy. John attended St. Vincent School, West High School and Kent State. He joined the United States Air Force in 1951, becoming a pilot who flew F-86 Saber Jets. He was an early member of the “Mach Buster’s Club” for exceeding the speed of sound in an F-86. His military career spanned 26 years of both active and reserve duty, flying a variety of aircraft, and he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. After active duty, John managed a General Tire Store in Parma, Ohio, but decided to build a career in commercial aviation. He moved with his family to California in 1967 and became a pilot for major airlines, was a very active member of the pilots union, ALPA, and ultimately retired from Northwest Airlines. John moved to Arizona for his work and lived in the Phoenix area, where he met his life partner, Barbara Vath, who died in June of 2017. John and Barbara also made their home in Prescott, Arizona. Together they traveled the world and leave behind a grieving network of friends around the globe. He seldom met a stranger, became fast friends with people regardless of status and he acquired lifelong friends around the world from seemingly chance encounters. John enjoyed cooking and entertaining with Barbara, loved to swim and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, Prescott Hangar. John is survived by his five children: Frank Manocchio (Mary Mansson), Steve Manocchio, Lou Ann Ashton (Jerome Ashton), Jean Manocchio (Rob Modeste), Mary Jane Manocchio (Richard Braunstein); former wife, Louise (Esposito) Manocchio; three grandsons: Nicholas Manocchio, Jordan Ashton and Jason Ashton; and Barbara’s son, Charles Vath; and grand-daughters, Victoria and Rebecca. His family in Akron also mourns him: his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Vicki Manocchio; his nephew, Charles Manocchio, Jr.; and his niece, Angela Dodds. A Celebration of the lives of both John and Barbara will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 2 p.m. in Prescott, Arizona. Please contact a family member for location or email 2mjm@comcast.net. Details for the California Celebration are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Good Samaritan Hospice - Marley House, 1063 Ruth St., Prescott, AZ 86301; Fisher House, Palo Alto California, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303; or your favorite charity. Information provided by survivors. |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?