Kirk Allen Manini

Kirk Allen Manini, 15, of Oldtown Valley Road, Port Washington, died Wednesday evening as the result of a tragic car accident. Born September 1, 1987 in Canton, he was one of three sons born to Hank and Rhonda Stewart Manini, who survive. Kirk recently finished his freshman year at New Philadelphia, and was a member of the First United Church of Christ in New Philadelphia, where he was confirmed in May, 1999, and where his youth leader will remember him as a peacemaker. He was an active young man having played baseball in Stonecreek for many years before playing as an outfielder in New Philadelphia’s Pony League. In 6th, 7th and 8th grade, Kirk played basketball for the Quakers. An outdoorsman, Kirk loved to swim with his brothers and friends in the family swimming pool, ride four-wheelers, and shoot with his father as they hunted groundhogs and deer. Kirk also enjoyed instant-messaging his friends on ICQ, playing video games, and watching his favorite television shows, X-Games and Gladiator, and any televised sporting events. He’ll be sadly missed by his brothers, Anton Joseph and Elliott Stewart Manini; maternal grandparents Pete and Joann Stewart of Columbus, O; uncle Lonni (Jodene) Stewart of Delaware, O; aunt Jeannie (Rick) Michels, of New Philadelphia; cousins Holly Stewart and her companion Cornelio Estrella and children; and Amy and her husband Travis Landacre and their children. There are also many great-aunts and a great-uncle as well as extended cousins who mourn his passing.Kirk was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph “Chub” Manini and Anne Vesco Manini. Friends are invited to call Sunday, August 3, anytime after 2 PM with the family present from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 PM. Rev. Jeff Gerber and Jill Lovett will officiate funeral services Monday, August 4 at 10:30 AM in the First United Church of Christ, 201 Fair Avenue NW, where Kirk’s uncle, Rick Michels, will begin playing a musical tribute at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Stonecreek Cemetery. Following the committal service, the ladies of Grace United Church of Christ in Stonecreek will host a reception in the church social hall. Kirk’s life was all too short in years, but his character, smile, and pleasant nature is timeless in the hearts of those he touched, whether family, friend, teammate, or classmate. In his memory, please direct contributions to the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation, 303 4th Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663.