Joseph Mannino RPh

On May 2, 2019, Joseph Mannino RPh of Little River went to join his heavenly family. Parents were Salvatore and Giovanna, brothers Jim, Frank, Russ and AL, two sisters Marie and Angie, his son Steve, granddaughter Alyssa and his first wife Thelma.  

Joe was born in Westfield, N.J., on April 16, 1922. From grade school through high school, he worked in his dad’s landscaping business which helped build his character.  Upon graduating, he attended college at the University of Iowa where he studied Pharmacology, was president of his fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma and was a member of the Hawkeye football team.  College was interrupted when Pearl Harbor was attacked and he immediately joined the Air Force. During World War II his B-24 was shot down over China and he was MIA.  Because of his dedication and loyalty he received various medals including the Purple Heart.  After his service he returned to Iowa to complete his education and rejoin the Hawks.

He returned to New Jersey and began a 50 plus year career of owning his own pharmacy along with his brother Russ and sister-in-law Vivian. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. His love for Iowa and helping students started him on a lifetime commitment with the Hawkeyes. This involved attending high school games statewide, meeting with high school and college coaches and eventually connecting the two. His dedications led to “opening N.J. for Hawkeye recruitment”. His last endeavor in the 90s was Vernon Rollins who years later honored Joe by asking him to stand up for him in marriage.

 Helping others was always a priority with Joe who wanted the best for everyone.  It was natural for Joe to become involved in the pharmacy internship program with students doing their internship in their pharmacy. 

After retiring in 1995, he moved to Little River with his wife Midge.  In the last six years Joe’s health began to decline. However, he never complained and always had a smile on his face. The Lord decided his journey was over on May 2, 2019, and took him home. His three children, Joanne, Jen C.  and Chuck, grandchildren Rebecca and John, great-granddaughters Danae and Maddie, his wife Midge, daughter-in-law Kathy, plus many family members and great friends will remember him. He was the rock of our family and we have nothing less than eternal admiration for him and are grateful he is now at peace.  

Joe’s request was to not have a service in Little River but ask you to take a minute out of your day to say a little prayer for him.  His final resting place will be in Arlington National cemetery. 

The family would like to thank the Veteran Affairs health program, his home health caregivers and the entire staff of Seacoast Hospital in Little River, Father Ray from OLSS and Andy Piro of Iowa. All aided Joe in some way through his sickness. Also thanks to Lee Funeral Home for their compassion and comfort.

A guest book is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.