Obituary of Salvatore J. Manerchia

Salvatore J. Manerchia, age 82 of Upper Chichester, PA died peacefully on October 8, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at Crozer Chester Medical Center. Son of the late Francesco and Francesca Notaro Manerchia from the Italian Isle of Sicily, Sal was born and raised in his parents' home in Marcus Hook. After his Army enlistment he purchased his first home in "Viscose Village" now being considered for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. He resided with his wife and his children, known to Sal as the "monkey network" in Upper Chichester, PA for 50 years, until his death. Sal graduated from Ridley High School in 1951. He was married in 1953 to his utterly devoted & loving wife, the late Marie (née Berry) and he served stateside in the United States Army during the Korean War as an MP. Sal was employed for 41 years at the Sun Oil Refinery in Marcus Hook retiring in 1993. Sal's long career at Sun began in the labor pool. He became a "hose watcher" on the dock and ultimately rose to Dock Chief and Trainer. Sal was instrumental in completing the critical transition from all liquid products coming in and out of the refinery to the inclusion of propane and butane, which foresaw the present boon in the use of natural gas from shale oil. Mr. Manerchia received his certification in Operations in Human Resources as a technical procedures writer from Neuman College. He used that education and his thorough knowledge of product transfer operations to author Sun's dock operations training manual. Sal, the MP and laborer, became a highly proficient technical writer. During his shift Sal led Sun's Spill Response Team in the 1970s when the Delaware Bay and River Cooperative formed to protect and preserve the river that Sal loved. One of his favorite jobs was traveling the river aboard the "dock boat", the company's skiff, to spot spills and dangerous debris. Sal was on duty and a 1st responder when the Greek tanker Corinthos exploded at the BP Refinery Dock adjacent to Sun's on January 30, 1975. Sal and his crew confronted the worst disaster ever on the Delaware River, continuously for the next two days. His crew's safety was always Sal's primary concern and he was always looking out for them, primarily by ensuring they were properly trained. New employees could be intimidated by the huge machinery, venting steam and omnipresent warnings but if Sal was showing them around his encouragement and humor displaced their fear. Because Sal treated everyone the same the men on the dock and the women in the offices at Sun became family. For that reason he earned a reputation as someone who would "got to bat" for others. After his retirement, until his final weeks, Sal met with fellow Sun retirees monthly at the Sungate Diner in Marcus Hook for breakfast. The affection they'd developed for each other at work lasted long after the work was done. Devoted to his faith, Sal belonged to Immaculate Conception of Lourdes Catholic Church where he was an altar boy and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph's Council. He was a member with his wife of the Immaculate Conception Choir and the St. James Choir. He had the honor of singing with the Saint James Choir at his granddaughter Elissa's and grandson Matthew's weddings. Sal and Marie's love for music inspired their children and grandchildren to sing and play. He loved being with family and friends at the kitchen table sharing meals and telling stories. That is what those who loved him will miss most. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Marie T. Manerchia who died in 2010 and 4 siblings, Angie Glass, Anthony Manerchia, Minnie Manerchia and Jean Misero. He is survived by 5 children, Diane (Charles) Cardile, Nancy (Timothy) Carter, Judi (Robert) Crimmins, Frank (Lori) Manerchia and Marie (Robert) Pankiw, 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Viewings: Wednesday, 7-9PM, Thursday, 8:30-9:30AM - Pagano Funeral Home, Garnet Valley, PA Funeral Mass: 10:30AM - Immaculate Conception of Lourdes, Marcus Hook, PA. Interment: Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, PA. Donations: St. James Alumni, Crum Lynne, PA 19022.