Menu

Obituary for Robert C. Manger

Robert C. Manger Sr., of Shelton Connecticut, died Thursday, April 7, 2016 at his home surrounded by his children and dedicated caregivers. Robert was born on December 16, 1931 in Connecticut. He was the eldest son of Charles and Katherine Manger and lived and worked in the Lower Naugatuck Valley for most of his life. He received his degree in engineering from the University of Bridgeport, graduating Suma Cum Laude. In 1958, he married M. Louise (Lou) McDonnell after falling in love and being together since ages 16 and 14. He was vice president of Manger Die Casting Company in Derby, a family business that was started in 1956. Robert was well known in Shelton and the Lower Naugatuck Valley for his dedication and volunteer services to several community organizations, especially, The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, and The Recreation Camp, Inc. He was also a former board member of Colonial Bank. Robert & Louise enjoyed their time with family and friends, especially during golf season, at the Harry B. Brownson Country Club (Brownson). Volunteering his financial business knowledge, Robert became the president and assisted Brownson to a successful financial recovery, restoring fiscal health to an organization they both thoroughly enjoyed. He leaves his four children and their families: daughter Laura Pearson and her husband Jeff of Clearwater, Florida, his daughter Lexanne Kroll and Debra Zotti of Seymour, Connecticut, daughter Kay Yoder of St. Louis, Missouri, and his son Robert C. Manger Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Shelton, Connecticut. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, his brother Paul K. Manger and his wife Nancy of Bethany, Connecticut, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to acknowledge and thank their father’s caregiver, Marine. Marine’s love, care and support enhanced the quality of Robert’s life for the past 15 months. In addition, the family would like to thank the nurses of Constellation Hospice, especially his extraordinary case manager, Candace, who has a special gift to love and comfort not only the patient but the family. A memorial service and celebration of the life of Robert C. Manger, Sr. will be held on Sunday, April 10 at 1:30 p.m. at The Huntington Congregational Church, 19 Church St. Shelton, CT. There are no calling hours. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home of Ansonia, is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Robert C. Manger, Sr. may be made to The Recreation Camp, Inc. 88 Bee Mountain Rd., Oxford, CT. Robert Manger remained the President of “The Rec Camp” until his death. The Recreation Camp, Inc. is a nonprofit member of the Valley United Way, and has continuously operated as a children’s summer camp on the Housatonic River in Derby since 1917. Without Roberts’s dedication and service the camp would not be as successful as it is today. Robert always said, “under the director, Mike, and the innovative programs he put in place, i.e; Where’s my Kid, every parent could feel comfortable when they dropped their child off at the camp. After 50 years of service, Robert will be truly missed at the 100th year anniversary celebration in June.