Eight Bells: Larry Manzer

Laurence (Larry) Richard Manzer, 91, passed away December 26, 2025 surrounded by family at home in El Cajon, California.

Born 1934 in San Diego, Larry was drafted into the Army in 1957. At the time, he had a good job at Ryan Aeronautical and was planning a wedding, but he enjoyed the training and was assigned to work on the IBM computer at the Presidio in San Francisco.

Larry would marry Monica Maureen Hohn during this time, and return to San Diego to grow their family to include Maureen, Colleen, Joe, Lisa, Kathleen, and Julie. Building on his business skills, he eventually started Pacific Drapery which continues with daughter Kathleen as owner.

Larry’s father fostered his lifelong passion for sailing at a young age. His first boat, the Starlet Ocha, took him to the Club Championship. He raced sailboats the world over: Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, China, and New Zealand. He died as the second most senior member of San Diego Yacht Club.

His zeal carried over to the family, and was most proud being named the 1979 National Boating Family of the Year. Every boat Larry owned would be named Friendship, to honor his father and the ideals of sailing. All children are boat owners and yacht club members.

His last boat was a North American 40 where the majority of the crew was his wife Monica and kids. He insisted on his family taking turns in all positions of the boat, and it was rare when Larry would steer. He had more fun watching them in action.

Flying was a dream that became a reality in 1983. Beginning with helicopter lessons, he switched to fixed wing aircraft to travel on grand adventures with Monica, also a pilot. They flew across the US and Canada, from Barrow, Alaska to the Bahamas (passing by Cuba). Their Beechcraft Bonanza, 98Romeo, was also called Friendship.

Cars were another area of excitement for Larry. At one point, there were six Mustangs in the family, most of which were run-down and he restored. Finally, he added a Corvette, having nearly bought one in 1958 but instead received baby Maureen.

Over the years, dogs were constant companions. In his final days, he repeatedly asked the television to find “Border Collie Puppies.”

Following the passing of Monica in 1996, Larry married Sandra Smelik in 1998 which brought together two proud Catholic families. Bonded by faith, family, and fun, they traveled extensively and enjoyed hosting large gatherings.

Larry is survived by wife Sandra Smelik Manzer; son Joseph Vincent Manzer and daughters Maureen Latham (William), Colleen Manzer (Matthew Wilson), Lisa Leweck (Craig), Kathleen McKaveney (John), and Julie Redler (Ken); grandchildren Veronica Nelson (Jacob), Lindsey Anwuzurike (Uche), Emily Latham, Lars Leweck (Gabrielle), Trevor Leweck, Sean McKaveney, Caelle Oetting (Justin), Cade McKaveney, Kai Redler, and Kenyon Redler; great grandchildren Aila, Buxton, and Tadhg Nelson, and Amara Anwuzurike.

He embraced the Smelik family wholeheartedly with love: Matthew Smelik (Teri, Marc, Connor); Shawn Trenfel (Haley Lofgren [Josh], Billy); and Jennifer Doheny (Sean, Cameron, Devon, Liam).

Larry was preceded in death by his spouse of 39 years, Monica Hohn Manzer, parents Lawrence and Josephine Manzer, sister Beverly Manzer Floersch, and Bill Trenfel.

Obituary services pending.