Philip Mannino, Jr, Fairfax Station, VA

 

Philip Joseph Mannino Jr, age 68, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 22, 2024, after fighting a 12-month battle against a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor. Phil successfully survived two brain surgeries fighting hard to live his last months with purpose while treasuring the time left with his family.

Phil was born to Olga Mannino and the late Lt. Co. Philip Joseph Mannino Sr in Honolulu, Hawaii on Christmas day in 1955. He was the oldest of four children, Diane (deceased), Steven and James. He spent his childhood living in various states as Phil Sr was a US Airforce Navigator. They settled in Fairfax, Virginia when Phil Sr’s Pentagon assignment ended.

Phil graduated high school from James W. Robinson Secondary School in 1974. Phil was a member of the Club Gymnastics team at Robinson excelling at the pommel horse and rings. As a Boy Scout he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was an elected member of the honor society “Order of the Arrow”. Phil attended George Mason University where he studied Chemistry and Computer Science, was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the National Newman Club.

Phil began his data center career at AMS and EDS. He dedicated 30 years to the National Science Foundation, proving himself indispensable and transitioning as key personnel to each new contract, the last one, By Light. He was a mentor and always lent a hand. He was the calm in the storm when resolving critical issues. Phil led by example and exemplified this trait through his servant leadership. He retired in October of 2023 as a Data Center Manager, continuing to work four months after his diagnosis, determined to finish one last project.

Phil met Ruth Willis on his bus ride to work. They married in 1983. Together they welcomed daughter Christa Marie and son Daniel Steven into the world. Phil once told Ruth that when he was little, he saw his mom and dad “smooching” in the kitchen and knew right then that he wanted to be a dad and a family man. The love he saw between his parents inspired him to want the same. Phil and Ruth were married for 13 years; they had mutual respect and remained active caring parents. Phil was a devoted father, making many sacrifices to raise Christa and Danny and will forever be their beacon.

Phil and Edith Davila de Jesus met on April 4, 1997, during a friend’s birthday celebration at Pizzeria Uno in Arlington, VA. Conspiring friends introduced them and they talked until closing. He invited her to a party at his house and added that she should bring her kids too. She knew it was a sign that he was a family man. Edith did go to the party. He once told his eventual stepson Gil that when he first met Edith he said to himself “I’m going to marry her.” How lucky they both were to find their great love later in life and successfully bring together an amazing and loving family.

Phil married Edith on May 22, 1999, and Phil’s family grew by three more children; Gilberto, Gisela, and Analise. Phil was an incredible bonus dad. They may not have shared his blood, but he chose to love them as deeply as any parent. He had grace, patience, and love for all his children, and they were blessed to have a role model like Phil.

For over 18 years, Phil was an active member of the Capital Area Woodturners serving as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer. He was bestowed an Honorary Member Achievement Award, of which only a handful have ever been granted. He leaves us a lasting legacy of beautifully turned and other creative pieces.

Phil was an active person who participated in a myriad of activities and clubs. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, bowling, camping, sailing, biking, scuba diving, golf, and anything else he could learn. In his early adulthood he took dance lessons and went to disco clubs. In recent years he became a true grill and smoke master using three different grills (maybe more) to perfect his art. His passion for food mirrored his passion for life, and he savored everything life had to offer.

Phil was very involved in all his children’s activities. During Christa’s time in high school, they took a Toastmasters International course together. He helped teach Gil how to drive and maintain his own car, always willing to pick him up from work each time his first car wouldn’t start. For years he coached his children’s soccer teams or refereed. One year he was the assistant coach for Christa, Annie, Gisela, and Danny’s teams all at once. Luckily the girls all played on one team and even won the 18U VA HSGHSL Championship. When Danny decided to play hockey in high school Phil eagerly became an assistant hockey coach. There was nothing Phil would not have done for his children.

In 2013 Phil became a grandfather, first to Alyana and less than a year later, to Ava. He was an amazing and fun Papa Phil and Pop-Pop. Although he loved to tease them mercilessly, he taught them a sense of humor and was thrilled when they learned to tease him back. He enjoyed watching kid movies with the girls. Even if they lost interest and went to play, he would be hooked and continue watching the movie.

Phil is survived by his wife of 25 years, Edith Mannino, his five children Christa Mannino, Daniel Mannino (Sarah), Gil de Jesus (Taryn), Gisela Sturzenegger (Charles) and Analise Joyce (Roger); his grandchildren Alyana, Ava, Cariya, Destiny, Roger, and Kingston; mother Olga Mannino; brothers Steven and James Mannino. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Bill (Diane); nieces Michelle, Andrea and Gina; nephew William, many relatives, and countless friends.

Phil was a family man, a man of strong steady values and morals which he successfully imparted to his children. He was a loving husband, father, leader, mentor and friend. Everyone who met Phil started as a friend. Phil was giving and selfless of his time. He was full of life and laughter. To know Phil was to love Phil.