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December 9, 2024

‘Success is no accident’: Community leader, businessman Jon Manafort dies at 78

Contributed Jon Manafort
By Andrew Larson

A civic leader and businessman who helped run a prominent construction company, Jon Manafort, died unexpectedly at his home in Old Saybrook on Dec. 4. He was 78.

Jon Manafort was part of the third-generation leadership team at Plainville-based Manafort Brothers Inc., along with his late brother, Jim, and cousin, Frank. 

A New Britain native and U. S. Army veteran, Jon Manafort was known for his dedication to the community and his commitment to growing the family business.

“Hard-working, fair, compassionate and driven, (Jon) Manafort was the consummate businessman, but beyond that, his biggest smiles and most precious accomplishments were centered on his family and friends,” according to his obituary.

The family business was founded by Jon Manafort’s grandfather, James, as the New Britain Wrecking Company in 1919.

It was renamed Manafort Brothers in 1946, under the leadership of the founder’s five sons, including Anthony Manafort, Jon Manafort’s father.

The company has grown significantly and now has locations in Worcester, Massachusetts; Cumberland, Rhode Island; Waltham, Massachusetts and Bristol, Pennsylvania. It manages projects throughout the Northeast and nation.

Jon Manafort was known as "the problem solver." He was interested in new technologies and implemented new business practices, which helped the company become a major player in the industry.

"Success is no accident,” Jon Manafort was fond of saying. “It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing."

Jon Manafort and his crews responded to the 9/11 attack at the World Trade Center in 2001 and spent months helping with demolition and clean-up, according to his obituary. 

He also founded Connecticut Waste Processing, starting with just two trucks. He expanded it into a multi-state waste removal company, now known as CWPM.

Recently, Manafort Brothers became part of a team working on the Port Eastside development in East Hartford, which will blend 1,000 housing units with a transportation center, 6-acre greenway and 400,000 square feet of entertainment, restaurant and retail space.

The company is now run by the family’s fourth and fifth generations.

Outside of the construction business, Jon Manafort owned and operated Island Cove Marina in Old Saybrook and Lady Katharine Cruises in Connecticut.

He also helped establish the Manafort Family Foundation, which has donated more than $2 million to local charities.

He was especially generous with the New Britain and Plainville communities, where he would assist schools, youth sports programs and nonprofit organizations with projects.

Jon Manafort was described as “a gentleman with a deadpan sense of humor.” He raced stock cars at the former Plainville Stadium, enjoyed NASCAR races and had great taste in music, particularly Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs. 

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Elisa (Pons) Manafort, along with his two sons and their wives, and six grandchildren. He also had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services are set for 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Ann Church, in New Britain. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in New Britain. 

Click here to read the full obituary.

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