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Manasha Bilsey Obituary
Scholar, Philosopher, Civil Rights Activist
Worcester - Manasha "Marty" Bilsey, 72, of Worcester, a scholar, philosopher and civil rights activist, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation in Worcester after a brief battle with lung cancer.
He is survived by a sister, Zelda Beatrice Bilsey Torna, currently residing in Israel; Christian Steinau of Worcester, MA; Dr. Andrew Fletcher of Dover-Foxcroft, ME and many good friends of many years. Manasha was born in West Brookfield, son of the late Samuel and Frieda (Grosnick) Bilsey.
A man of broad intellect, Manasha loved to share his knowledge, observations and predictions with others. He operated the well-known "Another Story, Used & Rare Books" in Worcester, for many years, before closing in 2003. He then re-enrolled at Clark University, having dropped out in 1965 to pursue activism, where he graduated cum laude in 2007. His store was full of histories, biographies, and classics and it was here, full of the smells of leather bound books, cigarettes, and coffee, that Marty met many friends whom he would hold dear til his final days.
Manasha was known for his social and political activism, and was editor of the 1960's underground newspaper, the "Worcester Punch". He enjoyed cooking for guests, chess with friends, dabbling in the stock market, shopping for bargains, discussing politics, and sharing new and challenging ideas with anyone he met. Manasha died with great hope for our future and viewed the social and political challenges we face as strides toward an eventual shared humanity.
Manasha requested that his life be remembered as it was lived: simply, and with friends sharing laughs and ideas over drinks and a good meal. A private memorial celebration is being planned for August 2017.
Donations in memory of Manasha Bilsey may be made to the Worcester County Food Bank at 474 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or online at foodbank.org.
There is an online register for messages and condolences, it can be found at:
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Manasha Bilsey
Sponsored by Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester.
David Maciewski
July 1, 2023
Remembering my encounters Manasha's kindness, thoughtfulness, and knowledge during my encounters with him at his book store.
Judy Knight
July 8, 2022
I have neglected to respond to this memorial in a timely manner but want to acknowledge this sweet and kindly man who I am so glad was part of my young adult days. Were Manasha alive today, I know that he would be in the thick of some lively and intense conversations!
Paul Lewis
October 21, 2017
Allen Ginsburg of the Seven Hills, Manasha. What got me thinking of Manasha tonight? I met Manasha in 1967 at Clark. I remember him for the 60's and I remember him at his bookstore in Webster Square in the 90s. "Pie in the sky when you die," he taught me then. Can anyone see Manasha as a company man working for a corporation? Too funny. I remember Manasha really pissed off at me in a bar in Worcester, with Mark--he coyly spilled his beer all over me, on my shirt and pants, over Mark, his friend. After that, we became good friends. How did we miss each other, again in Worcester, 2009-2011? It wouldn't have helped if I told him not to smoke. "He doeth what he willeth and what can we do about it." You lived with your heart on your sleeve, Manasha. Now you must prove to me there is an afterlife, or is it only "pie in the sky when you die"? Let us know.
Norman Schell
August 28, 2017
A gentleman worth knowing. Sorry I could not attend. RIP old friend, remembering you and Worcester in the 60s.
Ruth Martinelli
July 13, 2017
Dearest Manasha, who was an amazing person and the truest of friends. I will so much miss having you in my life.
In fondest memory,
Ruth Martinelli
George Cornell
July 11, 2017
This man was a plethora of information. A great debater and humanitarian. A wonderful friend. Sorry we lost touch. I was hoping to see you before this day. You changed my life when it needed changing. You had a warm heart. Live on my friend.
Mike Sullivan
July 9, 2017
So Manasha, you've rushed off to a place where Truth, Beauty, and Love are venerated more perfectly, heh. L>S> . See you later.
Judy Knight
July 9, 2017
Manasha- Today, what came to my mind, immediately, was what a dear, sweet man that you were. You were always a special presence in our young lives and as time went on. I am sorry that you are gone.
David Nader
July 9, 2017
Always evolving.
July 9, 2017
Truly a Man...always evolving
David Nader
Chester Clarke
July 9, 2017
Farewell, old friend! I will miss our conversations, your knowledge, your positive attitude, and, of course, your friendship.
John Cox
July 9, 2017
Manasha, You were an interesting person to know and talk to, as well as a fellow Mason. Rest in Peace, Brother.
Kathy & Dana Lewis
July 9, 2017
Very sad to hear this, my husband Dana and I knew Marty for years through his bookstore at Webster Square, - kind man who really knew his stuff.
David Maciewski
July 9, 2017
I remember stopping into Manasha's bookstore in the early 2000's. I often thought his perspective was true and he offered wisdom on where I was at then that I remember to this day. Wishing all who knew and loved him comfort and consolation. Blessings on his soul's next journey.
Paul Julian
July 9, 2017
I am saddened to learn of Manasha's passing. I bought many books from him at his wonderful store, Another Story. He was most interesting to talk with. He will always be remembered by me for his depth of knowledge and his engaging personality.
Christian Steinau
July 9, 2017
You passed the same day I moved back to Worcester. And just two months ago we thought that would mean more regular visits with each other. I was happy to have been by your side as much as I could during your last days. It happened so fast. I'm relieved your suffering was as brief as possible. My wife and I are so happy that you got to meet our baby son. You left an indelible impression on my life over our 20 years of close friendship. What I learned from you, I will teach my son. You will live on.
So mote it be.
Walter Crockett
July 8, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of Manasha's death, having first met him a little over 50 years ago. The last time I saw him, in Sterling, he was much like the first time, though perhaps a bit more mellow with age - still irrepressible, full of ideas and conversation and generous in his sharing. One of a kind.
Patricia Barrie, Member NHS '62 Reunion Committee
July 8, 2017
Manasha our classmate from North.......We are so saddened to learn of your passing. I especially, as I would have come & visited with you during your last days. We at least are happy you made the last dinner we had and you seemed to have a good time. You were one of a kind & I will share your obit with the committee and others as I was impressed at all you had accomplished. That disease seems to spare no one and we pray that you are at peace and suffering no more.
Randy Knox
July 8, 2017
I am saddened by the loss of my friend of nearly 45 years. I enjoyed his wisdom and sense of humor. A more generous person would be hard to find. RIP
Diane Westerman
July 8, 2017
Manasha and I were distant cousins and were brought together by our mutual dear friend, Lana Linden. After our meeting for the first time, I was lucky enough to spend many happy hours at Another Story.
Rest in perfect peace, Manasha.
gail hunt
July 7, 2017
one of the most interesting guys you'd ever know-- so glad we got to know him & got to share time at some great parties with old & new friends
Steve Heimoff
July 7, 2017
Manasha and I were great friends "back in the day" in the 1960s. Although I went to Clark Univ., most of my friends were from Worcester, and Manasha introduced me to many of them. I will miss Manasha.
Tim Dunn
July 7, 2017
I met Manasha through my friends Fran and Joe Martin. They too have both passed on. I felt the need to write this message because I know first hand that Fran and Joe loved Manasha very much. I met Manasha a half dozen times also and liked his company through Joe and Fran. Rest In Peace and God Bless.
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