Highland Lakes, NJ – John “Jack” Manning, 78, of Highland Lakes, NJ, passed away in his home during the early hours of Tuesday, November 3rd, after a period of declining health.
Born in Milford, Massachusetts, Jack’s career as a horseman began in the 1960s at Foxboro Raceway. For over 30 years, he drove and trained at tracks across the East Coast, including Freehold, Brandywine, Liberty Bell, Yonkers, Pocono, Saratoga, and the Meadowlands.
Jack fondly recalled his time working for Happy Valley Stock Farm in the 70s, and for Water Gap Farm in the 70s and 80s. Two of his favorite horses, which he always told stories about, were foaled around that time: Willow Skipper and Linda’s Sammy.
In 1998, Jack retired from racing to stay closer to his son. Shortly after, he took a job in commercial plumbing, where he met the love of his life, Lisa Suarez. They married and have resided together in Highland Lakes, NJ, for the past 20 years.
Despite this second life, he never stopped following the sport and would watch races daily. He took a special pride in the fact that he treated his horses “the right way,” like the athletes they were, and always gave special care to animals in general.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Highland Lakes, his son, John Jr., of Parsippany, NJ; as well as three stepchildren: Chris (Kate) Lambrinides, Liz Lambrinides, and Alex (Ashley) Lambrinides; and grandchildren: Kristyn, Ava, Max, Riley, Nate, and Reese.
Jack’s family is honoring his wishes not to hold a public service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or to the Standardbred Transition Alliance (https://www.standardbredtransition.org/donate).