Gene G. Mannella, of Boca Raton, FL, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, May 20th, 2024, at St. Andrew's Estates. He was 92 years old. He was born on August 23, 1931, in Niles, Ohio to Felice (Phil) and Ida Petrilli Mannella. He was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Case Western Reserve University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI.)

After receiving his Ph.D., Gene embarked on a career as an engineer and civil servant with a focus on energy conservation and transportation. He worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at their Electronic Research Center (ERC) in Cambridge, MA on the Apollo missions, including Apollo 11. He spent several years as the Dean of Engineering and Architecture at Catholic University of America. Returning to Government, Gene worked in senior management at the Energy Research and Development Association (ERDA, now Department of Energy), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the Department of Transportation. After retiring from Government, Gene served in executive positions at Mechanical Technology Incorporated (MTI), Gas Research Institute (GRI), Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). He was a long-time member of the Cosmos Club and the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF).

He is survived by his children: Aimee (Jack) Beatty, Marc (Crystal) Mannella, Christian (Lauren) Mannella, and Adrian Mannella, his beloved grandchildren: Ryan Beatty, Kyle Beatty, Nick Mannella, Jack Mannella, Lindsey Mannella, and Brian Mannella and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 23 years, Violet Quinn Thorsen Mannella, his parents, his daughter Anne de Beaupre Mannella, his sister Eunice (Thomas) Cera and his former wife, Anne D. Mannella, mother of his five children.

Loving life in South Florida, Gene enjoyed ­­­his retirement in Boca Raton, his ocean view, daily dips in the pool, watching sports, chatting about politics and current events, and, most of all, talking to/hearing about his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral service for Gene will be held on Saturday, August 10th, 2024 at 11 am at St. Pope John John XXIII Catholic Church (formerly Our Lady of Mount Carmel.) 381 Robbins Ave., Niles, OH 44446.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Central Kitchen .

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Central Kitchen .