Emanuel Anthony Licitra

Emanuel Anthony Licitra, Age 98, formerly of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2026, surrounded by loving family. Manny lived a long full life of grace and dignity. He treated everyone he encountered with kindness and respect. Manny also had a wonderful sense of humor that was evident even during his final days on earth. Manny was born March 13, 1928 in New York, NY, the first-born son of Giovanni Licitra and Antonina Mondello Licitra. Both of his parents immigrated to America from Sicily, Italy. Manny spoke Italian as a young boy but began speaking mostly English once he started school. Manny graduated from Stuyvesant High School February, 1946 with a major in science. He enlisted in the U.S. Army 3 days later with his parent’s written permission since he was under the age of 18. He spent 3 years in Germany, completing his service in December, 1948. This wise and selfless sacrifice enabled him to attend college on a government scholarship. He earned a chemical engineering degree from Brooklyn Polytech. He soon took a job with Combustion Engineering in Connecticut who sent him to the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology in Tennessee where he completed his education and became a nuclear engineer. Manny married Betty Anna Fraundorfer on May 17, 1958 in New York City. They began their married life together in Connecticut before moving to California where their four children were born. They remained happily married for over 68 years. Manny has often been heard saying that marrying Betty was the smartest thing he ever did. Manny worked as a nuclear engineer until his retirement in 1988. He worked for Atomics International in Los Angeles, CA. He then took a job with the Atomic Energy Commission (later called Nuclear Regulatory Commission) in 1972, moving the family to the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. The teams of engineers he worked with made sure that the 3 nuclear reactors at Palo Verde Generating Station in Arizona were designed to operate safely. Palo Verde is still operating today as the second largest nuclear power plant in the United States. Manny had a keen intellect and a passion for problem-solving and would love to work on crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and a variety of logic and word games. Manny’s nurturing side was evident with his sharing and cultivating iris flower bulbs, his meticulous lawn care and removal of crabgrass, and his love for babies – often ‘beeping’ their nose. Manny had a talent for comedic storytelling and brought joy and laughter to those around him. His kindness to animals reflected his compassionate heart. He loved our family pets that included primarily cats and one parakeet. When asked by his granddaughter Cece in 2010 who his hero was, Manny chose Willy Mays “because he was one of the first black major league baseball players who was very friendly and nice. So friendly, that they called him ‘say hey Willie’. He also played on my favorite team, the New York Giants.” In the same interview, when he was asked what he would change if he could, Manny said, “I wouldn’t change anything. I have accomplished pretty much all of my goals and I am very content and happy.” Remaining to cherish Manny’s memory are spouse, Betty Licitra; children, Robert Licitra, Lisa Licitra Kahle, Anita Phares (Wayne), Diane Small (Frank); grandchildren, Nicholas Licitra (Nancy Hwang), Alexander Kahle (Kristen), Benjamin Kahle (Lauretta), Olivia Kahle (Evan Loundas), Noah Kahle, Cecilia Koh (Alexander), Aubrey Smith (Ryan), Rebecca Phares, Owen Phares, Mia Phares, Vera Small, Duncan Small, Bug Small, Ana Small; great-grandchildren, Colin and Dominic Kahle, Isabella Kahle, Josephine Loundas and one more expected soon; nieces and nephews, John Licitra, Michael Licitra, Donna Scarcella, Michelle Goodin. Preceding Manny in death are parents, Giovanni Licitra and Antonina Licitra; brother, Mario Licitra. Family and friends will gather for a Visitation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, VA 20110. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6720 Union Mill Rd., Clifton, VA 20124. An inurnment will follow at the Place of Peace Columbarium at the Benedictine Sisters Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Rd., Bristow, VA 20136. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please perform a random act of kindness in Manny's memory.

Emanuel Anthony Licitra

March 13, 1928 - June 27, 2026