Fred Vincent Mannino, age 77 years, of East Amwell Township, NJ, died on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton.

Born in Cinisi, Italy, July 30, 1944, son of the late Salvatore and Giuseppina Abbate Mannino, Fred came to the United States and settled for a short time in Brooklyn, NY, before moving to Hunterdon County and growing up in Ringoes, NJ. He was a lifelong area resident.

Graduating from South Hunterdon Regional High School as well as the Culinary Institute of America, Fred faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and was proud of his service to his country as a Military Policeman.

Working during his youth at ShopRite, Fred was destined to be a Chef. From childhood, he just had a natural ability to make flavors sing and an uncanny aptness to make any meal the most favorite part of the day. He was the well-known, much respected, and beloved chef and owner of both Max’s Restaurant and Bistro 161, both located on Main Street in Flemington, NJ for many years.

If you knew Fred, chances are you had a favorite dish that is making you smile as your read this—his chicken cacciatore and eggplant parmigiana were legendary, as were so many others. However, if you knew Fred, you knew his food was amazing, but what made the meal truly special, was the man behind the apron.

Naturally caring and non-judgmental, Fred was perpetually happy. He was fiercely loyal and a true family man. A consummate gentleman, he never met a stranger as if he met you, you were his friend. Some of his most favorite times were coming out from the kitchen to sit and talk with patrons who were eager to sit, chat, and laugh. He had a natural way of  putting people at ease, and making them realize that their meal was more than something functional to stay alive—it was the reason for living!

A longtime communicant of St. Magdalen Church, Flemington, NJ, Fred would not want those who are hurting now to mourn like those without faith. Rather, he would want you all to heed the words found in John 16:22: You are now very sad. But later I will see you, and you will be so happy that no one will be able to change the way you feel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Fred J. Mannino in 2010, as well as by his siblings, Anthony in 1999, Norman (Nunzio) in 2010 and Salvatore Mannino in 2015.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Travis Fetterolf; his son, Salvatore Mannino; his grandchildren, Katlyn, Aiden and Avery Fetterolf; his sisters, Stella Maltese and Connie Soriero; his longtime partner, Pamela A. Weidel and her children, Anita and her husband, Tom Rivella and Denise Ackerson, her grandchildren, Fallon Constantine, Tom Rivella III, Michael B. Ackerson Jr., Myles Ackerson, and great grandchildren, Natalie and Tommy Constantine; the mother of his children, Linda Mannino; his cherished companions, Nelly Belle the dog and FreddyCat the cat; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; and many friends around the world.

Fred will lie in repose on Monday, August 30, 2021 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

You may also visit on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with prayers at 9:45 a.m. prior to proceeding to mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Matthew Marinelli at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. and to which all are welcome.

Following mass, Fred will be laid to rest with military honors next to his cherished son, Fred, at St. Magdalen Cemetery, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

Realizing that some may be unable to attend due to the pandemic, the Vigil Service on Monday evening, and the Mass and Burial will be live-streamed. To watch any of these events, please click HERE and kindly ensure you do not have a pop-up blocker enabled. The vigil link will begin to stream Monday at 7:15 p.m and the Mass link will begin on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. (If you are having issues with clicking above, please follow this link: https://vimeo.com/event/1241659/842a10e723),

It is politely requested that masks must be worn at all times on funeral home and church grounds, and that social distancing must be maintained. The family appreciates your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

You are encouraged to visit Fred’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

As Fred loved animals and nature, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940 or online by clicking HERE.