Donald Norman Manlove, of St. Augustine, FL, and of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the age of 72 years. He was born on August 18, 1943 to John and Mabel (formerly Rohrbach) Manlove in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy as a Radar Intercept Officer, in the F-4 and F-14 fighter community. Donald was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during the Vietnam War and was also selected for the SFTI Program at Top Gun. He later worked for Inter-National Research Institute (which became part of Northrup-Grumman in 1998) until his retirement.
Many people would recognize him in his freetime from his multiple memberships in golf associations, the Princess Anne Country Club, Military Officers Association of America, and Association of Naval Aviation. He was also a volunteer for the PAP911 Dog Rescue and served as a Charter Member for the Kindervision Children’s Awareness Organization. He was also an extremely devoted model railroading enthusiast.
Left to cherish Donald’s memory are his wife of 42 years-Jane (formerly Melchiore); daughter Leslie Simon; son Michael Manlove and his wife Elissa; son Marc Manlove and his girlfriend Kandice Angel; and grandchildren Jordan, Faith, and Michael, Jr. Further survived by other relatives and friends.
Visitation for Donald will be held on Monday, January 4, 2016, at Altmeyer Funeral Home-Maestas Chapel (1801 Baltic Ave, Virginia Beach, Virginia) from 1:00 PM until time of Memorial Service at 3:00 PM. Following the service, the family would like to invite you to Happy Hour celebrating Don’s life, at the Cobalt Grille at Hilltop (1624 Laskin Rd #762, Virginia Beach, VA 23451).
Memorial contributions appreciated to the Wounded Warrior Project, Kindervision, or the Amy Leigh Miller Birkbeck Scholarship Fund. To make a donation to any of these causes, please visit www.tmcfunding.com. The Altmeyer Funeral Home-Maestas Chapel is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.altmeyerfh.com.
Past Services
Visitation
Monday January 04, 2016
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Maestas Chapel
1801 Baltic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-1112 | Directions
1801 Baltic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-1112 | Directions
Service
Monday January 04, 2016
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Maestas Chapel
1801 Baltic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-1112 | Directions
1801 Baltic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 428-1112 | Directions
Memorial
I was shocked & saddened to learn of Don’s passing.
How fortunate to have had dinner with you, Don, & Gug on my visit to Hammock Beach 2 years ago. I absolutely regaled with envy listening to Don’s experiences as a Navy flyer, as well as remembering our Albright football days.
While a lot of us old golfers say, “we are on the back nine, we just don’t know which hole,” the actual reality of it makes it no less devastating. At our age, I cannot imagine the despair of losing your life partner & soul mate at such a young age- & I say that even after having lost a son some 17 years ago!
Our hearts & prayers go out to your & your family. May God grant us all the strength & courage to accept His will.
Bob & Marianne Kopp
Dear Jane and Family,
Don was a one of kind guy that will be missed by all of us. We were VF-102 Diamondbacks together for three years, and roommates in a six (6) man bunkroom for two (2) cruises; one being a combat cruise to Vietnam. We shared the good and bad in life during those times. He was a Brother Warrior, unmatched in his Bravery and Professionalism. We also crossed paths in VF-103 and VF-11, and served together on the AIRLANT staff. He as a RAG instructor in VF-101 and was highly respected throughout the Fighter Community as one of the “Best-of-the-Best”! Don will be missed by all of us, but I know someday we will see each other again.
God Bless you and your family Jane,
Joe and Janet Findley
Jane, Donnie and I played football at Albright College. Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great guy. May thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tom Griffie
Jane and family. So sorry to hear about Don. Don was a good guy and a good football player. I enjoyed my 4 years at Albright with him. Take care. Lew Nevins.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Don’s passing. I have many fond memories of the time we spent together at Albright College as friends and fraternity brothers. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Donnie and I played four years of football together at Albright college. We had great memories and made super friendships. I am sure he shared Potsie isms with you. My best wishes to you and your family.
Dear Jane and family, So so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Truly a privilege to have called Don a friend and brother at Albright. May God’s blessings be with you all. Theron Male ’64
CDR Manlove and I served together aboard USS Independence (CV 62) in the 80’s. He was the CIC Officer and I was an OS 3 and 2 while he was there. I recall standing watch with him many times and being on the radio with him while he performed RIO duties in an F-4 or 14 while I provided air intercept control from the ship. He was a consummate professional. A shipmate, and still dear friend of mine, has a photo of himself having his third class crow pinned by CDR Manlove. He was a respected, excellent officer who had no problem cokin’ and jokin’ with the troops. I and my Indy shipmates will raise a glass to him at our next annual Veterans Day gathering in Tampa. Fair winds Sir.
CDR Manlove and I served together aboard USS Independence (CV 62) in the 80’s. He was the CIC Officer and I was an OS 3 and 2 while he was there. I recall standing watch with him many times and being on the radio with him while he performed RIO duties in an F-4 or 14 while I provided air intercept control from the ship. He was a consummate professional. A shipmate, and still dear friend of mine, has a photo of himself having his third class crow pinned by CDR Manlove. He was a respected, excellent officer who had no problem cokin’ and jokin’ with the troops. I and my Indy shipmates will raise a glass to him at our next annual Veterans Day gathering in Tampa. Fair winds Sir.
Leslie,
I send my love and prayers for you aND your mom. He was such a nice man and he truly loved your mom.