Carolyn A. Manzi

June 8, 1931 – November 10, 2026

Carolyn Ann (Caparco) Manzi, 95, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, surrounded by the love and comforting presence of her family.

A lifelong resident of Cranston, Rhode Island, Carolyn was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Sivo) Caparco. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank Paul Manzi, Jr., to whom she had been married for 52 years before his passing.

Above all else, Carolyn treasured her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she found her greatest happiness in the company of those she loved. Her home was a place where family traditions were celebrated, meals were lovingly prepared, and there was always room at the table for one more.

While Carolyn devoted much of her life to raising her family and caring for her home, she also worked as a hairdresser for several years following high school and later at Imperial Knife Company in Providence while her husband established a swimming pool supply business.

Proud of her Italian heritage, Carolyn expressed her love through food and the traditions that brought generations together. Sundays were especially memorable, with homemade meatballs and gravy simmering on the stove while chicken and potatoes roasted in the oven. Christmas Eve brought the cherished tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a celebration of family, food, and togetherness. For Carolyn, preparing and sharing a meal was never simply about eating; it was an expression of love, generosity, and connection.

While she appreciated the pleasures of a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal, Carolyn was equally happy occasionally treating herself to Kentucky Fried Chicken or a Whopper. She enjoyed dining out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, finding as much pleasure in the companionship and conversation as in the food itself. Her commitment and love of family is also demonstrated when she and her husband, Frank, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and took the entire family, including grandchildren, to an all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Riviera to help them celebrate the occasion.

An accomplished ten-pin bowler, Carolyn received awards recognizing her bowling achievements. She also enjoyed her morning walks around Meschanticut Lake and through the Warwick Mall where she would meet friends, share a cup of coffee, and enjoy lively conversation and a little people-watching. Another favorite pastime was bingo, an activity she continued to enjoy until just days before her passing at the remarkable age of 95.

A devoted Catholic, Carolyn's faith remained an important part of her life. Independent and strong-willed, yet deeply loving and compassionate, she possessed a generous spirit and a genuine appreciation for friendship and family. She found joy not necessarily in grand occasions, but in the familiar routines, shared laughter, and everyday moments that make a life rich and meaningful.

Carolyn was the devoted mother of Steven Manzi and his wife, Joanne; Marianne Manzi and her husband, Joseph Pittle; and the late Michael John Manzi and his wife, Carol.

She was the cherished grandmother of Brennan, Stephanie, Michael Jr., Alissa, Laura, and Kerri, and the proud great-grandmother of Avery, Claire, Helen, Rose, Joseph, Ava, Cameron, Amelia, Calvin, Casey, and Tyler.

In addition to her husband and son, Carolyn was predeceased by her brother, John Caparco, and her sister, Marie Caparco.

For the final seven years of her life, Carolyn made her home at Saint Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where she was surrounded by caregivers whose kindness, patience, and compassion made them an extension of her family. The bonds formed during those years were truly special, and the love and affection shared between Carolyn and her caregivers brought comfort and reassurance to her family.

Carolyn's family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the entire staff of Saint Elizabeth Home, particularly at Green House Home #21, with special appreciation to Ana, Betsy, Sherry, and Rachel. Their unwavering dedication, understanding, patience, and genuine affection for Carolyn, even during her more spirited moments, will always be remembered and appreciated.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Father Joseph Broder of Our Lady of Mercy Church, who graciously came to St. Elizabeth’s late at night to administer the Last Rites, providing spiritual comfort during Carolyn's final hours.

Special gratitude is extended to Lauren of HopeHealth Hospice for her compassionate guidance and support as Carolyn and her family navigated the final stages of her life.

During Carolyn's final days, her family remained lovingly by her side, offering comfort through their presence, gentle words, and expressions of love. They spoke to her, held her close, and reassured her that she was surrounded by those who loved her, hoping to bring her peace as she approached the end of her remarkable life.

Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, generosity, and cherished family traditions that will live on through the generations she helped nurture. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her Funeral will leave from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston at 9:00 am on Monday November 16, 2026, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10: 00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Dr. Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery. VISITING HOURS will be held from 8:00 – 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Elizabeth Community, Saint Elizabeth Community, 2364 Post Road Ste. 100, Warwick, RI 02886 or to Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston, RI 02920.