John F. Maniscalco, 73, of Hanover, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, peacefully in his home, surrounded by family.
Devoted husband of 51 years to his wife, Mary (Coffin) Maniscalco. Beloved father to his three children Amy Kirley and her husband Tim of Pembroke; Matt Maniscalco and his wife Kristen of Hanover; John Maniscalco and Ana (Raimondi) Maniscalco of Bridgewater and Norton respectively. Cherished “Papa,” to his five grandchildren, Danny, Mia, Anna, Tayton, and Cal. The son of and predeceased by his parents Louis Maniscalco and Mary (Dunn) Maniscalco. Older brother to Michael Maniscalco (predeceased) and his wife Jean of Rhode Island; James Maniscalco and his wife Mary of Florida; Marylou (Maniscalco) Donnelly and her husband Rich of Arizona. He is also survived by his loving sister in law, Anne Gertsen and her husband Bob Gertsen (predeceased), as well as a large extended family including cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.
Whether you knew him as John, Johnny Man, Mr. Man, Manhattan Manny, Pops, Dad, or Papa, he was one of the greatest men to have in your village. He was a “Giant” through and through. Growing up in Somerville, his parents encouraged him to follow in his father’s footsteps by getting him into the Drum Corps. Being a member of the Boston Crusader Drum and Bugle Corps and later of the Senior Corps were some of the best times of his life. It was on those marching parade grounds that he met his beautiful wife, Mary, then a part of the color guard.
Together they formed a wonderful friendship, traveling the country in buses to shows, and experiencing young adulthood to the tune of a great soundtrack of music. Their love blossomed into a formidable union and they would marry young. Through thick and thin, John was an affectionate, dependable, and caring husband. Their marriage was full of love and laughter. They worked harmoniously as a team as they navigated the ebbs and flows of partnership and parenthood. A favorite motto of their shared life was “always and forever.”
John’s foundation stood on the pillars of service. He joined the United States Army National Guard of Massachusetts in 1972 during the escalation and tumultuous end of the Vietnam War. Responsible for transporting supplies and equipment stateside. His efforts certainly held merit, receiving recognition on multiple occasions from his unit. During his time in the Guard, he was also a proud member of the 26th Yankee Division Drum Corps as a bugle player. He retired from his duties in 1982.
In the early years of marriage, John held many jobs in order to provide the best for his family. He found his calling as an advanced EMT for Brewster Ambulance Service out of Weymouth, later Eascare Ambulance in Dorchester, then retiring back where he started with Brewster as a medical billing specialist. He also found time to teach future EMT’s and other medical professionals at Quincy College. At his core, he was someone who had the desire to help others. It made sense that throughout all of his roles, there was a common thread of service. The best kind of fit for a man destined to show up and be strong on people’s worst days.
As a father, John was constantly coaching his kid’s teams, and when he wasn’t on the sidelines, he was in the stands cheering them on in whatever arena they were showcasing their talents from. This persona certainly aged well as he was able to be present for so many of his grandchildren's events. No matter the distance, the temperature, or the lovely early sounds of learning new instruments, he was there, for all of it.
John represented the epitome of what a sibling, uncle and friend should be. He was protective, supportive, honest, caring, and funny. He provided safe harbor for anyone who needed a couch, a meal, or a gentle reminder that they mattered and gave them the confidence to tighten up their boot straps and get back out there. Regardless of his own ailments and adversities he was never one to ask for help. He continued to pour his energy into the ones who needed it, maybe just a little bit more than he did. Through that loyalty and passion, he became a beacon of strength to so many of those who loved him. He was their rock. Although his grandkids will tell you he definitely had his soft edges.
He was always listening to something. Rarely could you walk into his space without something being played in the background. May it be music, talk radio, the news, a NASCAR race, or game coverage of his favorite local teams. Sitting next to him during a Celtics game was an experience better than The Garden!
Although John has left us here on this earth, he has bestowed upon his loved ones the best versions of his resilience, his patience, his humility, his unconditional love, his unwavering support for those in his circle, and his deep connections to the things he was passionate about. We carry him with us.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Route 18 opposite of South Shore Hospital).
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 8 AM on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, prior to the Funeral Mass in Our Lady of the Angels Parish in St. Mary's Church, Hanover, at 9 AM. Cremation will follow. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in John's name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute by clicking here.