Greg Manka grew up in Passaic, NJ through his college years. He has two sisters and a brother, all of whom still live in Central Jersey. Greg and his wife, Kathy, have one married son, Jonathan, who lives in Brooklyn, NY and works as a vice-president in a media planning company, representing the advertising interests of Samsung. His wife, Betsy, is the social media director for Heineken.
Greg spent his working years in North Plainfield, NJ and Green Brook, NJ. His academic background includes degrees from Montclair State University and Drew University, with course work at Kean University and Rutgers University. In 1972, after college, Greg taught English and Journalism at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, NJ. In 1980, he became Supervisor of English and Library departments until 1990. Greg then became a school vice-principal at North Plainfield High School until 2001.
Since Kathy and Greg had owned a home on Long Beach Island (LBI) in Spray Beach, moving to Barnegat was a great fit. Their son was done with college and had always enjoyed LBI. They purchased their Breeze Terrace home in 2000, six months before retiring. Since they both retired early, they both began “second lives” at the shore. Greg worked in real estate on LBI, and Kathy has substitute taught in Stafford and worked in various Island shops.
Since moving to the Mirage community, they both have tried to be active in the community. Greg has devoted a lot of his energy to the entertainment program of the Men’s Club. Kathy sings in the choir, belongs to Women’s Club, and co-chairs a Reading group. Outside of Mirage, they have gotten involved in church and volunteer groups. Greg is an Elder at Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church, where Kathy serves as a Deacon. Both are active in the Barnegat Optimists Club, a youth service organization where Greg is currently the club president.
In their free time, they are avid moviegoers, seeing at least 2 movies weekly. Greg and Kathy also love the nightlife of the beach areas, frequently seeking out new bands and performers. Each winter they travel to Florida to escape the cold.