Adriano Raymond Manieri

Adriano Raymond Manieri, affectionately known as Addi, Daddy, and Pop Pop, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home, surrounded by his devoted family, on January 19, 2025. He was 91 years old. Born in 1933 in South Philadelphia, PA, Adriano was the youngest of seven children of Orazio and Maria (DiGilio) Manieri. Alongside three of his siblings, Adriano was born deaf, a defining part of his identity that he embraced wholeheartedly throughout his life. Adriano graduated in 1954 from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD), where he excelled as an “All-American” athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. His remarkable athleticism and determination were hallmarks of his early years. Adriano Manieri was inducted into the PSD Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, commemorating his exceptional athletic performance while a student athlete there. At the age of 15, Adriano began working at his family’s business, Manieri’s Meats, in South Philadelphia, launching a lifelong career as a butcher. Over the years, he honed his craft at respected establishments such as Fichera’s, Venuto’s, Catelli Brothers, Guerrera’s, and Roy Tweety’s. Adriano retired at the age of 78 after working at Herman’s Quality Meat Shoppe in Newark, DE, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched work ethic and mentorship. Adriano cherished life’s simple joys, including time with his family and his lifelong love of Philadelphia sports. Known for his incredible strength, often described as “strong as an ox,” he had a passion for storytelling. His animated ASL narratives captivated audiences, bridging connections between Deaf and hearing communities and creating cherished memories for all who met him. Adriano celebrated both his Italian heritage and Deaf culture with pride and enthusiasm. His warm smile and unforgettable hugs will be deeply missed. Adriano was predeceased by his parents, Orazio and Maria; his beloved son, Paul; his grandson, Joseph “JoJo” G. D’Occhio III; and his siblings: Ettore, Armando, Elmo, Giovanni, Rocco, and Veglia. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia (née Miller), the love of his life; his children: Matthew Mark Manieri (Elsa), Pamela D’Occhio (Joseph), Angela Fattizzo (Louis), Michele Manieri, and Andrea Mattie (Christian). He was blessed with 16 cherished grandchildren: JoJo, Adriana, Ninamari (Thomas King), Vincent (Isabel), Angela, Vanessa, Andréa, Vienna (Timothy Murphy), Adriano, Antonio, Fabiola, Giovanni, Sierra, Cataldo, Sophia, and Rocco; and four precious great-grandchildren: Miabella, Luciana, Josephine, and Valentina, as well as a host of extended family and friends. “BEEEYYYAAA!” Adriano’s spirited presence and love for life will forever be remembered. A celebration of Adriano’s remarkable life will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Strano & Feeley Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd, Newark, DE 19702. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:45 p.m. He will be laid to rest privately at Hickory Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Adriano Manieri Scholarship for Athletes at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD), honoring his legacy of dedication and excellence in sportsmanship. To donate, please use the following link: https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/adriano-manieri-athletic-scholarship-1 Questions regarding the scholarship may be directed to manierischolarship33@gmail.com

Adriano Raymond Manieri

September 17, 1933 - January 19, 2025

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