Louis Manci

Louis Manci, 90, of Scranton, died Saturday evening at Allied Skilled Nursing Facility. His wife was the late Regina Trunzo. The couple was married for 67 years at the time of her death in 2013.

Born in Perugia, Italy, son of the late Joseph and Antionette Passeri Manci, he immigrated to the United States with his mom, following his father who immigrated a year earlier. Louis was a proud Army veteran serving in Company C 188th Parachute Infantry Division and later in Company L 187th Glider Infantry Regiment 11th Airborne Division and proud member of the "Rakkasans" Infantry Division. After returning from the war, Louis took advantage of the GI Bill studying automotive repair and founded Manci's Collision Repair in 1955. Louis was also active in property development and completed several successful projects in the Scranton area, turning unproductive properties into usable commercial space.

He was an avid outdoorsman and passionate elk hunter completing over 30 trips to the West, his last at age 86. He loved finishing and exploring, and had a passion for his dogs. He was a member of the Victor Alfieri Literary Society and National Elk Foundation.

Louis was a hero to his country and family and leaves behind an impeccable legacy of hard work and determination, for the benefit of his family and the next generation. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Surviving are his son, Joseph Manci and wife, Linda, Dalton; a daughter, Antionette Szczepaniak, Scranton; four grandchildren, Pamela Szczepaniak; Christopher Manci and wife, Stacie; Michael Manci and wife, Dina; and Joseph Manci and wife, Bianca; six great-grandchildren; Parker, Fiona, Margo, Lucy, Jacob and Megan, with a great-grandson on the way.

He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, John Szczepaniak; and brother, Nelson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. from St. Peter's Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Dale Rupert, pastor. Entombment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 418 S. State Street., Clarks Summit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411.