Patrick Mancuso

Born in New York City on the Upper East Side June 12, 1942, Patrick Mancuso is a true son of the "Big Apple." Patrick’s talents as a front line staff member are never more apparent than during our annual Odessa Holiday Tour.

Patrick’s education began in a private elementary school in Manhattan and then Archbishop Molloy High School where he graduated. It was not until after high school that his family moved to the Bronx.  He attended New York University for two years and served in the military as an Army Demolition Instructor, and as a cook. He later lived on Long Island but can only really be considered a city slicker!   

Patrick worked for Dunn & Bradstreet for about five years but for most of his professional life he was a painter and wallpaper. Patrick moved to Delaware in 2007 and it is his creative side that makes him the perfect volunteer for Historic Odessa Foundation. 

Patrick’s sense of commitment to community began at an early age. He worked with the Boy Scouts of America for 25 years serving as Scout Master and also District Emblems Chairman.  Patrick received the Bronze Pelican Award, The Saint George Award, and completed Wood Badge.  He also served as a NRA instructor.

Once Patrick moved to Delaware he jumped right into volunteerism at the St. Joseph’s Carnival and MOT Peach Festival, as well as serving on the Medical and Travel Committee’s at Spring Arbor, the community in which he lives. However… most importantly for us he also began his long time service as a Historic Odessa Foundation Visitor Receptionist. Today Patrick welcomes thousands of guests from across the country and abroad to historic Odessa. He greets every visitor with a kind smile and a little taste of his sometimes acerbic but good natured sense of humor.

By Thanksgiving Patrick’s home is beautifully decorated for the season and his guests feel as though they have been transported to the North Pole immediately upon crossing the his threshold. Everyone who knows Pat knows that Christmas is his very favorite holiday. He begins his preparations months in advance…in fact he most likely has his holiday shopping well under control already. During this joyous of all seasons Patrick entertains most weekday evenings and friends lucky enough to be invited to one of his epic yuletide parties are treated to a virtual feast of tasty treats. His Christmas cookies and rice pudding are legendary!            

Historic Odessa Foundation is very fortunate to count Patrick among its many supporters. We are most grateful to him for the many hours he dedicates to volunteering for us. You can meet Patrick any Wednesday or Friday morning in our Visitor’s Center ... please stop in to meet him and thank him for his service to his community!