John Mannis

John Mannis, born May 24, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones, on October 1, 2024, in Flourtown, PA. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and an unwavering love for his family and friends. John was an alumnus of Cardinal Dougherty High School and a proud Temple Owl, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, paving the way for a successful career as a database administrator at the University of Pennsylvania.

John served his country honorably in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Specialist and received several honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. John never boasted of his time in uniform. He remained humble instead, simply carrying that spirit of service into all aspects of his life.

John was loved by many. He greeted everyone with a smile and had a fun, quirky sense of humor that left an indelible mark on all who met him. He had passionate convictions and was as frugal as he was exceedingly generous, willing to provide assistance to those he cared for without hesitation. “How much do you need?” is all he would ask, offering a glimpse of his kindhearted and unselfish nature. What mattered most to John was that his family was okay, because family was the heart of his existence.

John was a son, brother, uncle, father, and pop-pop, as well as a devoted husband. John adored his wife Lorraine, whom he had met in elementary school when she was in third grade. They followed each other to Cardinal Dougherty and even attended each other’s proms. After high school, life briefly took them in different directions until they found their way back to each other. John and Lorraine reunited in 1976 and married twelve years later, on June 26, 1988, in an intimate ceremony attended by Lorraine and her three children, whom John also adored… despite the years they spent teasing him about how much he resembled the actor from the popular 80s TV series The Greatest American Hero. A playful resemblance, which was the result of a daring hairstyle gamble John took when he briefly embraced an underappreciated 80s perm trend. 

John leaves behind his three beloved children: sons Tom Turner, Kevin (Caitlin) Turner, and daughter Emily (Fred) Turner, who will carry his memory always and miss him deeply. John—or Pop-pop John as he was affectionately known—was also cherished by his eight grandchildren: Amanda (Andrew), Gabrielle (Connor), Matthew, Candace, Emma, Ryan, Hudson, and Riley Rose.

John found many joys in life. His greatest passion, however, was running. John competed in numerous trail runs and marathons, including those in Philadelphia, Washington, and New York. He was a devoted golfer, an avid reader, and a huge history buff. He could often be found with his nose in a book about World War II or on the couch with his eyes glued to the History Channel. John also had a love for music, particularly the Golden Oldies, which helped provide the soundtrack to his life. After John retired, he was a proud volunteer for Meals on Wheels, further highlighting his generous spirit and commitment to quiet service.

John’s brothers Fred, Bob (Carol), and Tom (Cindy), along with his beloved sister Maryellen (Vince), and their respective families, will remember John fondly, as will his many nieces and nephews who were touched by his humorous spirit. John is preceded in death by his loving parents, Fred and Helen, who had helped impart the values John carried throughout his life.

Memories of John will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him. He leaves behind a legacy filled with laughter, love, and the echo of his enduring spirit in every cherished moment he created and every memory he shared with his family and friends. As his two youngest grandchildren had said to him in his final hours, “We love you, Pop-pop John.”

A viewing for family and friends is scheduled for 6-8 PM, on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the John F. Murray Funeral Home, 1218 Bethlehem Pike, in Flourtown, PA. Interment services will be held privately.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Meals on Wheels.