Mike was born 13 December 1927 to Angelo and Rose Mazzia Manuele and spent his youth in a small town in New Jersey. He grew up during the Great Depression.
On July 1, 1946 he raised his right hand and enlisted in the Navy. A full career saw Mike rise through the ranks to become a Chief Bosun’s Mate, serving during the Occupation of Japan after WWII, the Korean Conflict, the Cuban Missile crisis and the beginning the Viet Nam War prior to his retirement from the Navy after 20+ years.
Staying in government service, Mike joined the US Postal Service and spent another 22 years with them. He served 8 Presidents from Harry S. Truman to George HW Bush before finally ending his Government service.
Mike witnessed a changing world throughout his life. From listening to Buck Roger’s on the radio to watching a brother Military man take the first steps on the moon on TV. From Dick Tracy’s wristwatch phone to a bracelet that answers the phone on a projected computer screen on your forearm.
During those years Mike showed a distinct talent for Golf, winning multiple tournaments at NAS, collecting more than 6 Holes in One through the years and scoring a 63 in his 64th year on the planet. To say Mike could play was an immense understatement. He maintained a single digit handicap well into his 70s. He was also a pretty good teacher of the game as well. Mike was a fixture at NAS. He’d come hit some balls or have breakfast or both, dispense some sage advice and then go to the base gym, where he was also quite well known, to work out nearly every day, in his late 80s.
When the current pandemic hit, I think it hit Mike a little harder than most. I think being around us youngsters kept Mike going.
Mike left behind his wife of 50 years, Joyce and 7 children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
While we all have our own memories of our time with Mike, each of us will forever be better for knowing Mike Manuele as a friend. He’s with the likes of Jim Richie, Billy Popham, Bill Wilson playing on some perfectly manicured fairways and greens.
Farewell Mike, save a tee time up there for us.
A Celebration of Life service will be heldl at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Graveside service will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jackksonville, FL 32219 at 2:30pm.
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