Ronald Manzella, Sr.

Ronald Henry Manzella

October 27, 1949 – August 23, 2026

Ronald Henry Manzella, 76, of Union, New Jersey, passed away on August 23, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Born to the late Henry and Carol Manzella, Ron grew up in East Orange, where he met the love of his life, Linda Rusignuolo. High school sweethearts, Ron and Linda married on April 15, 1973, and shared 53 wonderful years of marriage.

Above all else, Ron was a devoted family man. He was the beloved father of Carrie and Bill Santangelo and Ronald Jr. and Gina Manzella, always making it clear to Bill and Gina that they were his children, not his in-laws. His greatest joy was being “Pop Pop” to Alyssa and Julianna Santangelo and Ronald Manzella III. He was their hero, their biggest fan and a constant presence at their softball and baseball games.

Family was the center of Ron’s life. He cherished annual family vacations and especially the Sunday dinners he cooked each week, bringing everyone together around his table. His home was always open, and he had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and part of the family.

Ron shared an especially close bond with his beloved sister, Nancy Minneci, and with his niece and nephews, Dana Subocz, Darren Ferrara, Richard Minneci and Joseph Minneci. He is also survived by Nancy’s husband, Joe Minneci; his sister-in-law, Elaine Ferrara; and their loving families.

An accomplished athlete, Ron was a member of East Orange’s 1967 State Championship football team and earned statewide recognition in football and baseball. He was inducted into the East Orange Hall of Fame in 2018.

After moving to Union in 1977, Ron devoted nearly four decades to public service, including leadership roles in Essex County and as Township Administrator of Union. He also served more than 20 years on the Union Township Board of Education, including as President and Vice President. In May 2026, he was inducted into the Township of Union Public School Hall of Fame in recognition of his decades of service.

Ron will be remembered as the patriarch of his family — their leader, their voice of reason and the person they could always count on. His greatest legacy is the family he loved, the community he served and the countless lives he touched.

Relatives and friends may visit Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Avenue, Union, on Thursday, August 27, from 7–9 p.m. and Friday, August 28, from 3–8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 29, at 10 a.m. at St. James the Apostle Church in Springfield, followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum in East Hanover.