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Henry Mancuso Jr.

To encapsulate the life of a wonderful human being on a single sheet of paper is a difficult thing to do. We will do our best. Henry Edward Mancuso Jr. was a dynamic man with a myriad of talents and a keen intellect. A devoted and loving son to his parents, Minnie and Henry Mancuso; a true partner to the love of his life and wife of almost 70 years, Ann Wiley Mancuso; and a supportive, involved and loving father to his five children: Steven Mancuso (Sally), Joanne Mancuso McSherry (Ted), Gregory Mancuso (Roberta), Susan Mancuso Zerio (Pete) and Henry Mancuso (Kelly). He had the joy of being close to all of his eight grandchildren: Evan Honsberger (Cara), Sarah Nicolaides (Mario), Ian Honsberger (Morgan), Stephanie Lombardi (Scott), Justin Mancuso (Alyssa), David Lefkin (Brooke), Morgan Mancuso and Jessica Adams (Tim); as well as his 12 great-grandchildren: George and Iliana Nicolaides, Leila, Callie and Max Lombardi, Brody and Will Mancuso, Miles and Jack Honsberger, Wiley Honsberger, Chase Lefkin and Easton Adams to whom he was “Poppy,” and loved more than words can express.

Henry was born in New Haven on June 22, 1933. He was the only child of Minnie and Henry but was adored by a large family of aunts and uncles who were ever-present in his life. He grew up on Beacon Avenue and there came his childhood nickname, “Beak.” He was an athletic kid and spent time playing baseball with the neighborhood kids, frequently picking Ann Wiley to be on his team. And so it goes; this is where their romance began. He attended Wilbur Cross and Hillhouse High School and, after graduation, went on to study at Tufts University. Marrying Ann Wiley on June 5, 1954, he began a journey that encompassed a stint in Korea serving his country, a long and successful career with John Hancock Financial Services and countless hours supporting his kids on the soccer fields, basketball courts, field hockey, and baseball fields, as well as at chorus, madrigal, and theatrical productions. His presence was also felt in his generous efforts in the organization of the Guilford Youth Football Program, participation in the Guilford Youth Soccer Program, coaching Pony League baseball and as an integral member of the Guilford Lakes Golf Course renovation committee. His successes in his career afforded him the ability to retire young and travel frequently with his wife Ann, as well as winter in Long Boat Key, Florida, their home-away-from-home for 25 years. His was a life well lived, and his legacy can be seen in his family, which has now grown from just two to almost forty.

Henry was a man of integrity, strength, kindness, and humility who had a special knack for seeing things as they were and facing all that he encountered head-on. He led by example and left his mark on us all. His wisdom and love will be profoundly and deeply missed by all who are lucky enough to have known him.

Friends are invited to calling hours from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford. Burial will follow in Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston St, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions Guilford Food Bank, 45 Stone House Lane, Guilford, CT 06437; https://www.guilfordfoodbank.org