Drew Edward Ross Manko of Eighty Four, PA passed away peacefully at home on his farm, his very favorite place on Earth, after a short illness. Drew was born May 2, 1995 to Amy Ross (Phillips) Manko and Wade Braden. He was adopted at age 12 by Scott A Manko, who preceded him in death. He is the grandson of Gary and Sharon Braden and great-grandson of Thomas Braden, all of Sun City Center, Florida. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Edward H and Marjorie Ross Phillips and adoptive grandfather Charles A Manko. In addition to his mother Amy Manko (John Powell), he is survived by his beloved partner, Riley Carter and his three sweet dogs Rosebud, Daisy and Katja.
He was a 2013 graduate of Washington High School, where he was active in music programs, Gifted & Talented competitions, and appeared on โHometown High-Qโ. Drew was a lifelong Boy Scout, starting as a Tiger Cub and achieving the Eagle Scout rank before making a career as District Scout Executive for Washington and Greene Counties in the Laurel Highlands District of Scouting America.
On Mondays you could find him working the dock and sorting animals at 84 Auction, where he was known for his kindness, friendliness and compassion to both consignors and animals alike. He also was a fixture at many of the local Farmers Markets including Lawrenceville, Bethel Park and Squirrel Hill, where he was known for not only his high quality meats and wool yarn, but also his friendly and helpful demeanor, knowledgeability and commitment to quality local products. He is also the former owner of Farmers & Friends Marketplace in Downtown Washington, which closed in 2023.
Mr. Manko was also very involved in Freemasonry, as a member of both Sunset Lodge #237 of Washington, PA and the Pittsburgh Consistory where he received his 32nd degree.
He also served on the Board of Directors of the Washington County Farm Bureau, serving that organization as the Young Farmers and Ranchers (and later Young Agricultural Professionals) Chair for both the county and the state. His passion for agriculture and helping to shape and encourage youth was felt through his dedication to policy change and promotion during his terms. He was also a big supporter of the 4H Market sale at Washington County Fair.
Drewโs presence was most felt in the local community where he worked tirelessly to promote both Washington County and the field of Agriculture, helping to found The Running of The Wools, a two day event in Downtown Washington which celebrates the strong historic and cultural significance of the wool industry in the county. He also helped found the Market at the Park, a Farmers Market held monthly on Saturdays with Riley. Drew was a guest on โLaid Back Historyโ with Clay Kilgore and was a historian all of his life. His mother served on the Board of Directors of Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation when he was an infant and by the time he was 3, he was an honorary voting member of the Board as well.
Drew was also a lifelong rail enthusiast, celebrating many birthdays on a scenic railroad somewhere with his family and friends. Visiting Walt Disney World and the draft horse barn was his happy place, and adopted several retirees from the Disney horse program. He loved his horses and sheep, owning Percherons, Clydesdales and multiple breeds of heritage and rare breeds of sheep. He loved Cheviot and Jacob sheep best.
Over his short lifetime, he received multiple accolades and awards, but he was most proud of his Eagle Scout and the 2023 Northrop Occupational Excellence Award from the Washington Rotary, which he received for his work advocating for young farmers, eating local and promoting farm fresh foods.
Memorial Donations in Drew’s name may be made to the family to help with farm expenses or to the Washington County Historical Society.
Amy, you probably don’t remember us, it has been several years since our paths have crossed at a Fiber Festival. My daughter, Paula and I, Sandy, are just shocked at this news. We are holding you in our prayers. No parent should have their child predecease them. Our hearts go out to you at this tragic loss. All our love and hugs and prayers go out to you.
Sandy Christian, Lebanon, Ohio
Dear Amy,
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss of your precious son. He was obviously an amazing man, partner, and son. You have my sincere condolences. I will never forget the kindness you showed me, a total stranger, at the knitting guild retreat, when I was just having a rough season of my life. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss.
All of us at the Ligonier Highland Games deeply miss Drew and want you to know we keep him and your family in our prayers. Drew was a wonderful person and one of the kindest people we’ve had as a part of our event. We share in your loss and it’s going to be difficult at the Highland Games without Drew and his four-legged friends that brought so much joy and happiness to all who met or interacted with him.