George H. Manaker

George H. Manaker, age 87, of Malvern, PA, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023.

Born in Rahway, NJ, he was the son of the late Carl and Mary (née Muhr) Manaker. 

George received his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Rutgers University, his Master of Science from The Ohio State University, and his PhD from Rutgers University. George was interested in horticulture from an early age and enjoyed gardening at home. His desire to be a teacher became a reality when he joined Temple University at the Ambler Campus. During his 35 years in the Landscape Architecture and Horticulture department, George guided the conversion of Temple’s 2 year horticulture program to a 4 year baccalaureate program.

George was the author of “Interior Plantscapes: Installation, Maintenance and Management,” which has aided countless people working with interior plantscapes.  He was a member of the American Society of Horticulture Science and the Society of the Sigma XI, and served as a member of the Abington and Carson Valley school boards. 

George has been quoted as saying “my greatest pleasure has been teaching.” He will be remembered as a renaissance man in his own right. After his retirement, George became a Chester County Master Gardener, taught courses at Longwood Gardens, and was active with the landscape programs at Hershey’s Mill.

George was the beloved husband of Veronica (née Lacanic) Manaker; the loving father of Cindy Marzullo (Mike), Sue Vestri (John), Melissa Waetjen (Scott), and the late David Manaker; the proud grandfather of Ryan, Drew, and Siena, and great-grandfather of Everett.  He was predeceased by his brother, Carl Manaker.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation, Friday, July 7, 2023, 10-11 AM at St. Patrick Church, 104 Channing Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355, followed by his Funeral Mass, 11 AM.  Interment Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in George’s memory can be made to Temple University’s Landscape Architecture and Horticulture Scholarship Fund.

Temple University Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 2890, New York, NY  10116-2890

Tyler School of Art & Architecture Giving Page:

https://advancement-sec.temple.edu/s/705/lg22/form.aspx?sid=705&gid=1&pgid=3813&cid=5100&bledit=1&dids=1093.205.593.207.5&sort=1&appealcode=SOL_CUSTOMURL