Sophie O. (Ostopo) Manley

Sophie Ostopo Manley, lifelong resident of Roxbury Township, died June 5, 2021, 7 days shy of her 100th birthday.  She was born June 12, 1921 in Kenvil, NJ to Kost and Stacha Bobrowich Ostopo. Sophie graduated from Roxbury High School, and was employed in the bag loading area at Picatinny Arsenal with her best friend Helen Cappello, where she worked throughout World War II.  She subsequently retired from the Arsenal after over 40 years of service.

On January of 1951 she married James J. Manley who predeceased her in August of 1989.  After retirement she was active in the Ever Young Seniors, the Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters, VFW Auxiliary, and numerous volunteer activities, and was a member of St. Therese Roman Catholic Church since its inception.  After retirement, she enjoyed extensive travel with friends, and was fortunate to live independently into her 94th year. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters Eleanor Hocking, Jenny Anderson, Mary McGlone, and brothers Tony and Philip Ostopo, and by her dearest friends Charles and Helen Cappello.  She is survived by her son, James J. Manley and wife Norma of New Bern, NC, and numerous nephews and nieces. 

Special thanks to the especially compassionate caregivers at Merry Heart and Serenity Hospice and to all those who helped her before her entry into assisted living and contributed to maintaining her independence.

A mass will be held on Thursday June 10, 10:00 AM at St. Therese RC Church in Succasunna, with interment in the mausoleum at Locust Hill Cemetery, Dover NJ to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite nonprofit