Thomas Manera, age 86, of Stratford, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in Bridgeport Hospital. Mr. Manera, the former owner of Mar-Nan Sportswear, Ltd., was born in St. Agata dei Goti, Italy to the late Vincent and Maria Carmen (Massaro) Manera and has been a long time area resident. He was a veteran of the Italian Navy, and was a member of the Baldwin Center where he especially enjoyed many a game of billiards with his friends. Thomas was an avid traveler and soccer fan as well as true history buff, spending much of his time reading about past cultures and their influence on the present. He also enjoyed a good political discussion and the exchange of ideas on the same. But most of all he was a traditional Italian who always welcomed the company of family and friends; everyone who met him loved him. Survivors include his beloved wife Nicolina (Lillian) Calabrese Manera, his cherished daughters Maryann Manera and Nancy Manera all of Stratford, a brother, Domenico Manera and his wife Joyce of North Carolina, and many dearly held nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brothers Vincent and Joseph Manera and a sister Rita Lubrano. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, November 15th at 10 a.m. in St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Lane in Stratford. Interment will be private. At the family's request, calling hours have been omitted. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations in Thomas' memory to the Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care, c/o St. Raphael's Hospital, 1450 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511 or to the Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Center, c/o Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610. The family would especially like to extend their thanks to the nurses and staff on Richardson 10 and Tower 7, Bridgeport Hospital, for their gentle care and attention during Thomas' last days. The Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.