WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Finance Committee Chair Theresa Manganelli has passed away due to injuries sustained in a highway crash in Ochopee, Florida on the morning of Monday, March 23, 2026.
According to Florida local media reports, which cites Florida Highway Patrol Troopers, a semi-truck crashed into the SUV in which Manganelli was a passenger. The truck driver reportedly failed to slow down in time when the vehicles ahead of him had come to a stop on the highway due to traffic.
The crash caused a chain-reaction collision involving six vehicles. Two other individuals — including the driver of the SUV in which Manganelli was in — were seriously injured and transported to area hospitals.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of those involved, but the Wilmington School Committee did offer a moment of silence for Manganelli at the start of their meeting on Wednesday night.
The crash remains under investigation.
Manganelli, 69, served on the Wilmington Finance Committee since 2008. She also recently completed her service as a member of the Building Committee for the new Senior Center. Manganelli was actively involved in the Wilmington community for decades, including as a long-time volunteer with the Wilmington Community Fund, organizing its annual Holiday Assistance program for families in need.
Wilmington Apple will run Mrs. Manganelli’s obituary once it is published. She leaves behind her husband Mark and adult children Michael, Scott and Jill.
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