Dave Manzo

Dave Manzo, 66, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Lake Worth, Florida after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on March 1, 1959, in Parkersburg, son of the late Carl “Gene” and Doris Swain Manzo.

Dave was a respected athlete, coach, and family man whose legacy will continue to inspire everyone who knew him, especially those closest to him, his daughter, Jessica Manzo (Mike Monello); son, Andrew Manzo; three sisters, Peggy Norman and husband Steve, Patsy Mundy and husband Lowell, and Missy Fulmer and husband Bob; grandchildren, James Manzo, Escanor Manzo, Jillian Monello, and Eugene Manzo; and nieces and nephews, Ryan Norman, Regan Bartley, Eli Bartley, Caleb Norman, Hunter Norman, Wyatt Bartley, Joe Mundy, Jamie Smith, Christopher Fulmer, and Caitlin Fulmer-Wilbanks.

He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1977, where he distinguished himself as an accomplished athlete in football, baseball, and basketball throughout his years at the school.

Dave excelled in basketball as a guard. In football, he earned First Team All-State Quarterback honors and was runner-up for the Kennedy Award. He was a leader on the 1976 State Championship football team and a star on the sixth-ranked 1975 team. As a baseball center fielder, he earned All-State Second Team recognition.

Following high school graduation, Dave continued his education and athletic journey at Fairmont State University. On the Falcon baseball diamond, he earned Second Team All-WVIAC honors, and on the gridiron was named Team MVP for his football talents.

Dave retired from playing sports and turned his talents into a remarkable career as educator, mentor, and coach. Most recently he had worked with Park Vista High School in Florida and Parkersburg Catholic High School in West Virginia, coaching baseball at both high schools. His career had included two years as a receiver coach at Fairmont State University; and 28 years as an assistant football coach and 24 years as the head baseball coach at Lake Worth High School in Florida. He was awarded Conference Coach of the Year five times and Area Coach of the Year four times. His work as a coach played a fundamental role in the lives of many athletes across multiple generations in both West Virginia and Florida.

In 2013, Coach Manzo, a “True and Loyal Big Red,” was inducted into the MOV Hall of Fame for his athleticism, accomplishments, and contributions to athletics.

Coach Dave Manzo’s life was one of passion, dedication, and service. From his days as a star athlete at Parkersburg High School to his prominent coaching period in Florida, he inspired generations of athletes, students, and associates. 

A memorial display tribute has been organized to honor Dave's distinguished career, lasting influences, and the legacy he leaves in the lives he touched. The community is invited to visit, pay your respects, and share some time in remembrance.

The Memorial Tribute will be available to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Vaughan Kimes Funeral Home, located at 521 Fifth Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia.

His passing is a deep loss felt by many in the Mid-Ohio Valley.