First And Only Female Martinsville Rescue Squad Chief Dies

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Martinsville Rescue Squad's first and only female chief Debbie Manna died at the age of 65 on July 7 "after a long and brave battle with cancer that she fought fiercely until the end."

Manna devoted her last 15 years to volunteering for the Martinsville Rescue Squad where she served as the first and only female chief for the last 10 years.

"She was a devoted grandmother, mother, and wife. Mrs. Manna was a dedicated member for our squad for 15 years. She was a friend and mentor to everyone who crossed her path. We will never forget her bright smile and huge heart. RIP Chief Manna. We got it from here, sister. End of Watch July 7, 2022," wrote Martinsville Rescue Squad.

Born in Passaic, Manna grew up in Old Bridge and lived in Dayton before moving to Martinsville in 2006.

She was married to her husband, Jerry for 42 years and had two daughters, Faith and Lauren.

Prior to her retirement on June 30, Manna worked for Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick for 36 years as their chief environmental health and safety officer.

She was also an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Martinsville and a former member of St. Cecilia’s Church in South Brunswick.

She loved to travel with her husband and daughters, especially throughout Europe.

Manna is predeceased by her father, Louis Foley. She is survived by her husband Jerry, two daughters Faith and Lauren and their husbands, her mother Anna, 3 brothers Donald, Christopher and Brendan and their wives, along with a large community of family and friends.

A visitation was held on Monday at Higgins Home for Funerals in Watchung. A funeral mass was held on Tuesday at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville. A burial will follow immediately at the Holy Cross Cemetery in South Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, the Manna family asks that donations be made in Debbie’s memory to the Martinsville Rescue Squad at bridgewaterems.org/donate.htm or 1771 Washington Valley Rd, Martinsville, NJ 08836.

To watch a video tribute of Manna click here.

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