Alfred F. Manzi, Jr. or “Fred” as he was widely known, passed away on January 24th, 2022 after a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Somerville, MA to Alfred Manzi Sr. and Helen Manzi (Filamond), he grew up in Medford MA and was a graduate of Medford High School class of 1956. Fred was a barber for many years, working in hotels in Boston and in his own shops in Medford, Arlington, and York, ME. He loved the regulars who came to the barber shop not only for a haircut, but also to solve all the problems of the Boston sports teams. Fred had a great sense of humor and was a master at telling a corny joke and getting everyone to laugh.
Fred was well known for his beautiful accordion playing, which he began at the age of 8. He appeared on TV’s Community Auditions as a child, and played professionally in bands throughout his adult life. He released an album with the “Sonny Stephens Orchestra” before starting his own band, “The Sounds of Music”, featuring Tony “Gubba” Mercuri and Ricky Ruggiero. In later years he formed the Fred Manzi Trio, playing with his son Joe on drums and vocals, and his good friend Bob Drinkwater on saxophone. Fred enjoyed playing music for the family with Joe and some of the grandchildren at family events. He was a passionate gardener, and had a beautiful garden wherever he lived. Fred loved to walk the beaches of York, and moved there full time to be a manager at the Ocean House Hotel in York Beach. Family was very important to Fred; he was much beloved and will be dearly missed by all.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Angelina “Angie” (Damiano), who he met as a teenager, and his children Lois Manzi (Yanni Mistakidis), Maria Guglielmo (Kenny Guglielmo), Joseph Manzi (Beth Manzi), and Lisa Benson (Greg Benson). He was also predeceased by his son Michael, who passed shortly after birth. “Papa” was very proud of his nine grandchildren; sitters at the kids table include Stacey Leadbeater (Jarrett Leadbeater), Brian Guglielmo, Jesse and Joe Mullen, Nicolas, Tyler, and Abby Hugo, Jay and Will Manzi, and his two great grandchildren, Anthony and Dominic Leadbeater. Fred enjoyed the love of his brothers and sisters: Catherine Ingalls (Charlie Ruddle), Richard Manzi (Carol Manzi), Elaine Hamburger (Jack Hamburger), and Linda McCormack (Robert McCormack). He also leaves many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Tuesday, February 1st at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with family at the funeral home on Monday, January 31st, from 3 through 7 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Fred’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation, online at www.parkinson.org.