Vera Ann Manara, 99, died peacefully at home on June 17, 2026. Born and raised in Somerville to the late Rudolph and Clarise Kugler (nee Pfiefer), she grew up fast, losing her father at fifteen years old. Consequently, Vera was thrown into the adult world, caring for her three younger brothers, Rudolph, Victor, and Vincent, as her mother transitioned into being a single working Mom. Vera took on this responsibility with patience and love, even attending teacher conferences and juggling calls from the principal’s office for her siblings! Vera loved every minute of her childhood. As elders, Vera and her brothers could be heard reminiscing about their childhood and at the end of their stories, they would say "boy did we have fun and even though we were poor, we wanted for naught"...

Vera was a graduate of Somerville High School, Class of '44; she planned class reunions until everyone got too old attend, but always kept in touch with high school friends, she loved her HS years. Vera went on to work as a bank teller upon graduation. She met the love of her life during high school, Joseph Anthony Manara "Joe". Joe would run from Raritan to Somerville to visit with Vera! They settled in the house that Vera was born in, on Grove Street in Somerville, where they went on to raise their five children. Upon the birth of their first child, Vera became a stay at home mother/house manager for the rest of her life. The neighborhood included two of Vera's brothers, an aunt and a cousin, each lived in their own homes and were always there for each other. Vera and Joe were married for 56 years.

The Manara's were active in their Church, Immaculate Conception. Vera had a sense of charity and community, collecting door to door for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. She went on to give what she could to many organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Make-A-Wish, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks, Special Olympics, Saint Jude and American Red Cross, to name a few. Vera loved to watch old cowboy movies and read novels, when she wasn't cooking for the family or keeping busy with household chores.  Vera was completely independent until 20 days before she was called home! Vera had a great memory and peopled loved to chat with her about the history of Somerville and the families that called Somerville their home back in the day.

Vera and Joe were promoted to grandparents starting 49 years ago and enjoyed beach time, parties, birthdays, holidays, showers, and weddings. Today, Vera has 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She had a special, individual relationship with each of them and their spouses, never forgetting a birthday, sickness, special occasion or anniversary.

Vera was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph, and her dear brothers and sister-laws, Rudy & Rita Kugler, Vic & Marilyn Kugler, Vinny Kugler and grandson Brent Dylan Manara.

Surviving are her loving children, Mark Manara and wife Michele, Christine Stein and husband Roy, Peter Manara, Jo-Ann Goetting and husband Keith, Natalie (Manara) Oller and her many cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Vera did not want a wake or funeral mass, she wished for Celebration of Life, which will be planned for October 2026, to coincide with what would have been Vera’s 100th birthday!!!!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to:

StarThrower Group, Inc. of Flemington (Deanna's Community Center) Click Here to Donate

or 

The Childhood Leukemia Foundation CLF4Kids (Brent Manara's battle)  Click Here to Donate