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After a 25-year battle with Parkinson’s, Richard “Doc” Manzo died on June 9 at the Kanas Center for Hospice Care, surrounded by his family. He was 73.
He and his wife, Mary Manzo, were creative directors at Manzo Finalborgo Design in Southampton, a graphic design company they established in 1982.
Mr. Manzo worked in advertising his entire life. He was known for his starched white shirts—they could practically stand on their own—which bespoke of his rigid, self-imposed approach to design: perfection, survivors said. He earned the nickname Doc early in his career because he was the go-to person for problem solving; colleagues and clients were known to ask, “Is the doctor in?”
Mr. Manzo was admired for his vision, talent and drive. He plied his craft at Playboy Enterprises in Chicago and was transferred to New York City to head up their advertising/promotion department in 1976. This was his last position before he and Mary founded Manzo Finalborgo Design and began creating successful advertising campaigns for numerous East End clients. Survivors said that if you displayed 10 ads or brochures or logos, and only one was designed by Richard, it would easily stand out for its flawless use of color, typography and layout.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1942 to Joseph Manzo and Olga Pucci, he graduated from Kent State University in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in art, with a business minor. In 1965, he served in the Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1971.
He and Mary were married in 1982 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Southampton. Survivors said creative minds like Mr. Manzo’s never stop working; once he began an assignment, he never really rested until it was done, yet he made time to be a trusted friend, caring brother and loving family man. He was passionate about tennis, music, and sports cars.
Mr. Manzo is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary Finalborgo Manzo; children, Danielle and Jason Manzo of Southampton; and a sister, Janet and husband Don Nastasi of Ohio.
A memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, June 28, at 5 p.m. at The Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to Kanas Center for Hospice Care, eeh.org, or by mail, Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Jun 20, 2016