Obituary of Frederick D. Manganelli, Jr.
Frederick Daniel Manganelli, Jr., 92, passed away on January 15, 2026, at Manchester Manor in Manchester, Connecticut, where he had been a resident for the past four years.
He was born on April 2, 1933, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Fred Daniel Manganelli, Sr., and Elizabeth (DeGruttola) Manganelli. He was married for 58 years to his beloved wife, Dorris (Longworth) Manganelli, who survives him. Fred and Dorris raised their family in Glastonbury, Connecticut, where Dorris continues to reside.
Fred was an electrical engineer and a 1955 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He later earned graduate degrees from the RPI Lally School of Management. He began his career at Pratt & Whitney and went on to serve within the federal government for more than 30 years at the Naval Underwater Warfare Center in New London, Connecticut, developing and providing leadership in sonar and submarine technology.
Outside of his professional life, Fred pursued many lifelong passions. He was an amateur radio operator for more than 70 years, known by the call sign W1TCJ, a pursuit that reflected both his technical skill and curiosity about the world. He was an avid fisherman who especially loved the waters off Stonington, Connecticut, and took pride in his 1967 Corvette. Fred also enjoyed good bourbon, good conversation, and boisterous cheering—or booing—for his New York Giants and New York Yankees.
A gifted and accomplished pianist, Fred played professionally as a young adult. He possessed a rare musical ability, able to play by ear and transpose effortlessly, and found particular joy in jazz music, which remained a favorite throughout his life.
A man of deep faith, Fred was a longtime communicant of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in South Glastonbury, Connecticut, where he served in many supporting roles, including Eucharistic Minister, lector, and usher.
Fred was a man who could fix anything and had an idiom for every occasion. His wisdom, humor, and resourcefulness—including his meatball recipe (with raisins!)—will live on through his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children: Lori (Manganelli) Wiesner of Lincoln, Rhode Island, and her husband, Charles Wiesner, and their son, Mason; and Daniel Manganelli of Herndon, Virginia, and his wife, Erica, and their children, John, Daniel, and Ember. He is also survived by his niece, Holly (Gabree) Love, and his nephew, Gary Gabree.
He was predeceased by his sister, Laurita (Manganelli) Gabree.
Services will be private.
For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com