Manny Misenti, 1942 to 2007

Emanuel "Manny" Misenti, one of the most generous, loyal people to grace our presence here in Connecticut, died at home Thursday at the age of 65. Manny had been a success at everything - he built a electrical contracting business, raised three daughters, was devoted to a beautiful woman, Maria, and gave countless hours to the town of East Haddam and the Connecticut Republican Party.

Despite his poker face and gruff manner at times, Manny was a bigger than life Teddy Bear. He also wrote beautifully and had a droll sense of humour which he used to skewer Democrats and big government. He loved people and politics and was always ready to help, no matter how long the odds or hard the road.

Manny Misenti was a Republican through and through. He never shied away from standing up for our principles, never walked away from a challenge and stepped up when no one else would. As a member of his local town committee and the State Central Committee from the 33rd District, Manny was always looking for talent, urging people to get involved and then standing with them as they ran for office or challenged the status quo. Readings Manny's emails always left one either thinking, laughing or ready to join the fight.

No one was more loyal to people and our party than Manny Misenti. Manny was always there for me personally and professionally. Manny was kind, funny and had a rich appreciation for what was important in life. He was devoted to his family and his friends. His death leaves a huge hole in our lives but is also filled with rich memories of love, courage and resolve to make the best of the time we have here in this world.

Keep Manny and his family in your prayers. He has earned it a thousand times over.

Funeral Services will be held Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. from the Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church. Burial will be in the family plot in Middlefield. Relatives and friends can call at the Funeral Home, Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to his memory may be made to St. Sebastian School, 19 Durant Terrace, Middletown, CT 06457.