Emanuel "Manny" Johannes Greber's Obituary
Emanuel J. (“Manny”) Greber, a Jesus follower and devoted family man, died peacefully on Saturday, April 25, after a brief illness. He was 92 years old. Manny was born on June 5, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, the oldest of two sons. His parents were Rev. Johannes Greber and Elisabeth Boos Greber, who had emigrated from Germany just a few years earlier. He was raised in Teaneck, New Jersey and graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in engineering.
After graduation, Manny met the love of his life, Marie B. Greber, on a blind date. They were engaged six weeks later and were married for 62 years, until Marie’s death on February 9, 2019. Two months after they were married, Manny was drafted into the Army. He served in an engineering company in Philadelphia until he was honorably discharged. In the early 1960s, Manny joined the New Jersey Jaycees. Under his leadership, the Camden chapter became the first Jaycee chapter in New Jersey to admit black members. He went on to be President of the New Jersey Jaycees and a National Director. Throughout his life, Manny was a passionate advocate of equal rights.
Manny’s career as a corporate executive included temporary assignments running companies in Brazil and England, and three years as the chief executive officer of the German subsidiary of an American company. He earned his M.B.A. from Pace University while working. In 1987, Manny and his son, Dave, started a custom homebuilding company in Frederick, Maryland, known for its design quality and craftsmanship. Dave went back to practicing law in 1990 but Manny kept building for more than 20 years.
When he was younger, Manny loved tennis and skiing (which he learned at age 41, when the family lived in Bavaria). He was an avid reader of newspapers and books and enjoyed thoughtful news programs and discussions of current events. He loved Siamese cats. He was a proud member of the Frederick Bridge Club, serving a term as the club’s president, and he played bridge until two weeks before his death.
Manny maintained an independent mindset concerning faith. At the age of 91, he confessed his belief in Jesus Christ as the incarnation of God, his personal Savior and his risen Lord. He listened respectfully to views different from his own. He was comfortable standing for what he believed in no matter who disagreed with him.
Nothing mattered more to Manny than his family, whom he loved unconditionally, intentionally, and patiently, always helping in any way he could without hesitation and with enthusiasm. He was unwavering in his optimism and encouragement. He was a leader and a role model. Manny is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David (and Lynne) Greber; his daughter, Stacy Greber; his grandchildren and their spouses: Lauren (and Ben) Nava, David (and Patty) Trifone, Elizabeth (and Ike) Fouse, Stephen (and Brittany) Trifone, and Mark (and Ambar) Trifone; his great-grandchildren: Chase Trifone, Julian Trifone, Daniel Nava, and Bentley Trifone; and his sister-in-law, Linda Lido, and her family by her late husband, Vic Lido: Jon-Erik (and Melissa) Lido, and Todd (and Erin) Lido and their children Gus and Ellie Lido. Manny was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Greber.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 11:00 a.m., at Grace Community Church, 5102 Old National Pike, Frederick, Maryland. Visitation and refreshments will follow the service, beginning at about noon. Interment of Manny’s cremains will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Manny’s honor may be made to Frederick Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 3389, Frederick, MD 21705.
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