Obituary of Thomas G. Mannos

The “Voice of Equestrian Sport”, Tom Mannos, passed away on August 11 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Born in Chicago in 1926, Tom served in the US Army, 7th Infantry Division during World War II and was stationed in Korea, tasked with expelling Japanese personnel from the peninsula, training Korean forces and preparing for the planned invasion of Japan. 

After an honorable discharge from the military as a Communications Chief, he returned to Chicago to build a radio station. With five of his fellow veterans, they cashed in their GI Bills and built the station, building and all, creating WRBI – Radio Blue Island.

Tom was a graduate of the Radio Institute of Chicago and was a radio broadcaster, television actor, and announcer.  Later, after moving to Oyster Bay, NY, he became heavily involved with St. Dominic’s, including play-by-play announcing of the football team, earning him the moniker “The Voice of St. Dom’s”.

As an advertising executive with Robert Hall Clothes for over 23 years, he was responsible for all company advertising, including the production of jingles and television commercials. He eventually joined DDB Needham, where he managed the Volkswagen, GTE, and Seagram’s Crown Royal accounts before retiring in 1995. 

After retiring, Tom announced equestrian sporting events full-time, including the prestigious Hampton Classic Horse Show, the Belmont Horse Fair, Equitana USA, and the American Quarter Horse Association’s World Championship Show among many others.  Known for his attention to individual riders of any caliber, Tom was loved by all. 

In 2017, Tom received the Jimmy Walsh Trophy in recognition of over 50 years of service to the Long Island Horseman’s Association and the Hampton Classic’s Lesportsac Long Island Sportsmanship Award.

Mr. Mannos is survived by his son Mark, sisters Adele Quick, Estelle Disselhorst, Jeanine Mclauglin and his partner of 32 years Karyn Malinowski.  He was predeceased by his wife Anne. 

Funeral mass to be celebrated on Saturday, August 14 at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Tom’s memory to the Rutgers Equine Science Center, ASB II, 57 US Hwy 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.