Samuel Manarel, former East Meadow teacher and administrator

Samuel A. Manarel, 99, of Cutchogue, died peacefully at his home on Oct. 10, 2010.  He was born in Holley, N.Y., on July 12, 1911, to Ross and Carolina (DeFabbio) Manarel. Affectionately known to his friends as “Red,” Mr. Manarel graduated from Holley High School, Brockport Normal School, and New York University with both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree in Education.

Red began his career in education in 1933 in Hampton Bays, teaching and coaching baseball and basketball.  He refereed basketball and organized the first official Basketball Referee’s Association in Eastern Suffolk County.  He eventually became chairman of the New York State Public High School Basketball Commission. 

While in Hampton Bays, he met and married his bride, Viola Elverson. In 1939, Red and his family moved to Westhampton Beach where he became principal of the elementary school. In 1941, Red moved back to Hampton Bays as school superintendent and served there until 1952.

A controversial and devoted educator, Red moved to East Meadow in 1952 to become principal of Bowling Green Elementary School, moving quickly to become assistant principal of East Meadow High School.  The system grew under his direction and in 1966, Red retired as assistant superintendent after being devoted to education for 33 years.

During retirement, Red pursued his passion of fishing and helped to form the Cutchogue Lions Club where he became its first President and a lifetime member. During this time, he also chaired the Southold Board of Assessment Review. Red was a lifetime Yankee fan. 

Red was predeceased in 2002 by his wife, Viola. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage. Red is survived by his son, John, of Cutchogue, with whom he resided and who was his parents’ caregiver for more than 15 years; a daughter Elizabeth Broderick and son-in-law, Jeffery, of Lewes, DE; one grandchild,Tracy Ann; and two great grandchildren, Adrienne Jayne Cornett and Devin James Cornett.  Red was also predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.  

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. Cremation was private. Burial of cremains will be scheduled at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Red’s memory may be sent to East End Hospice, P. O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY  11978.