James J. Manniso, age 64 of Newark, DE, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024.  James was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 17, 1959 to the late James L. Manniso and Joan R. Manniso (Cristofalo).

James John, who we called Jimmy, was the first born of the 4 Manniso boys, and the eldest son of Jim and Joan Manniso.

What can we say about Jimmy?

There are a few folks in our walk that are outliers, renegades, and at times part rogue – Jimmy was all of these.

As a family we loved him.

Jim was a good athlete, and excelled in school.

He was brilliant with machines; anything technical.  Jimmy enjoyed hard work and challenges during his career as a heating and air conditioning mechanic and a vocational school teacher, but sadly he sometimes struggled with the human element.

He could be charming, and funny as heck!

He had a laugh contagious enough to make a raucous room join him in laughter and could deliver Belushi and Dangerfield like no one else.

He had a very successful business but struggled in life.

When Jimmy would let us in, we tried to coax the best out of him asking him to embrace the great Jimmy but as time went on, sadly, his choice of pathways took him away too young.

Our faith trusts Jimmy is at peace and held in God’s love, joining family and friends who have gone before.

Our hearts especially go out to our Mother, Joan, in the loss of Jimmy.

In addition to his mother, James is survived by three brothers: Mark Manniso, Stephen Manniso and Chris Manniso; five cousins; Rosanne Melli, John Melli, Dr. Linda Bullock, Terry Byrne and James S. McKenna II and a multitude of nieces and one nephew.

A celebration of James’ life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 9:30 am at Saint John the Baptist Church on 200 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.  Friends and family may begin visiting at 9AM.  Burial will be held privately.  To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com