Carmen F. Manero
June 20, 1933 ~ February 14, 2026
The Plectron Radio has sounded for the last time for Highland Park ex-Fire Chief Carmen Frank Manero who passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 at his home in McLean, Virginia after a five-year courageous battle with kidney cancer. Affectionally known from his formative years as “Pete” to many, Carmen was born in 1933 in Rahway New Jersey to immigrant parents Dominic and Margaret (Cipoletti) Manero. After graduating Saint Peter’s High School in New Brunswick, NJ in 1951, Carmen entered the newly formed United States Air Force where he served in Kadena, Japan as a Military Policemen, achieving the rank of Staff Seargent. After leaving the Air Force, Carmen returned to the United States where he met the love of his life, Rosemary, and took up meat cutting as a butcher for the next 35 years. He dedicated 66 loving years to Rose before her sad departure from this Earth in 2023. Carmen’s blue-collar career as a small business owner in the meat trade belied his strong penchant for reading and staying abreast of current events – and his insistence that each of his children consistently reached for their maximum potential in life. His selfless outward focus and natural leadership ability resonated with all who encountered him, however briefly. The term “a good man” could never be overused to accurately describe who he was in the eyes of his family and dear friends.
After 60+ years living in Highland Park, NJ, Carmen and Rosemary moved to McLean, Virginia to spend their later years with family – but Carmen always remained a loyal Yankees fan. Carmen is survived by his son Charles Manero (Anne), daughter Margaret Millar (Paul) and son David Manero (Justina), seven terrific grandchildren (and spouses) – Daniel Millar (Jacqueline), Michael Manero (Alexandra), Emily Millar (Lucas Michieli -fiancée), Christopher Manero, Elizabeth Manero, William Manero, and Matthew Manero – and one (very!) great grandson – Hayes Millar.
A service of Catholic burial will be held at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Highland Park, NJ on April 17th at 10 AM followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a kind donation to your local heroes at your nearest volunteer fire department.
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To the entire Manero Family,
Condolences in this difficult time, both Pete and Rosemary were such special people. They were both very special friends to our mother – true friends that are hard to find.
God bless you, you are all in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Mike and CarolAnn Monahan
My deepest condolences to the Manero family. He was a great friend for many years. Steve Berardo
We will miss this man so much. Uncle Pete was always willing to provide an easy ear for listening. As a Chief who served after him in the HPVFD I was confident that Uncle Pete always had some sage advice and outlook to share. I always enjoyed conversing about the fire department with him when we got together or chatted on the phone. He is special and one of a kind and again will be missed.
From Patty and I, Shannon, Kelly and Julia, our deepest sympathies. He is together forever now with Rose!