Ida M. D'Elia

Ida was born on December 18, 1925, to Valerio and Lucia Manfredi. She was the youngest of six children, joining Nick, Mary, Vito, Joseph, and Jeanne. While her parents and two of her siblings were born in Italy, Ida and her three other siblings were born in the United States, with Ida calling the Bronx her birthplace.

After completing her schooling, Ida secured a job at Kellex Communications in Manhattan. She unknowingly became part of history, contributing to a project that would later be revealed as the famous Manhattan Project.

In 1949, Ida married her best friend’s cousin, Dominic, who predeceased her. They were married for 53 years. Initially, they lived in Long Island City, then Corona, and finally settled in Flushing, where they raised five children: Dianne (deceased), Louis (deceased), David, Gregory (deceased), and Karen. She was also a mother-in-law to Thomas Fletcher Sr., and Nana to Thomas Fletcher Jr., who brought her so much joy.

Ida had many interests, including drawing—she even presented actress Ingrid Bergman with a portrait she created. She also enjoyed painting, carpentry projects, and cooking. She was a devoted wife, mother, nana, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend. A vibrant and fun-loving person, she brought joy to all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at Beney Funeral Home, 79 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY 11791, US, on May 3, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 93 Anstice St, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, US, on May 4, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:15 am.

Interment will follow at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, 172-00 Booth Memorial Ave, New York, NY 11365, US, on May 4, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.