PAUL MCMANUS Obituary

McMANUS, Paul J. A judge, longtime law school teacher and public defender who brought compassion and a deep commitment to justice to the court room, died on May 6, 2018, at age 59, at his home in Wellesley, MA after a lengthy illness. McManus, born in Worcester, MA was among the last judges appointed by Governor Deval Patrick and began serving on the District Court in Massachusetts in 2015. During his interview for the appointment with the Governor, McManus said he wanted everyone who entered his court room to be treated with dignity and that he wanted to bring redemption and mercy to an often unfair justice system. He was sworn in on Governor Patrick's last day in office. A questioner of the status quo from an early age, McManus developed an affinity for the Green Bay Packers when his brothers became fans of the Dallas Cowboys in the late 1960s. Throughout his life, while living deep inside Patriot's nation he remained unwavering in his loyalty to the Packers, and traveled to Green Bay on a football pilgrimage where he proudly wore a cheesehead hat to show his support. He grew up as one of six children with a powerful sense of social justice, after graduating from the College of the Holy Cross in 1981 he moved to Houston where he taught low income students as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. He then studied law at Catholic University in Washington DC, and upon graduation joined the public defenders office in Massachusetts where he served for 25 years in the Worcester, Framingham and Boston offices. McManus had a knack for befriending people from all walks of life, in any situation, whether it was waiting in line at an ice cream stand on Cape Cod, hiking on trails in New England, or at Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education seminars, where he frequently presented.  McManus was a "Commissioner" of the Wellesley Little League baseball while his sons, Bobby and Jack, played ball. He was intensely proud of the professional and personal accomplishments of his wife, Elizabeth Ryan, an attorney at Bailey & Glasser in Boston.  McManus spent many active summers with his extended families, the Ryans and Shields, on Cape Cod, debating politics and sports, swimming, cycling, parasailing and visiting Captain Frosty's for seafood. He was an avid hiker and camper, hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail with his two brothers. McManus hiked to the top of Mt. Monadnock on January 1 each year with two high school friends. He ran the Boston Marathon in 2001. Beloved and respected by his colleagues at the Committee for Public Counsel Service, McManus also taught the Mock Trial Program at Boston College Law School for nearly two decades. He was the son of Charles and Martha (Driscoll) McManus of Worcester. In addition to his wife Elizabeth and sons Bobby of Fargo, ND and Jack of New York City, he leaves his sister Mary Bagley and her husband William of Worcester, two brothers, Richard of Potomac, MD and his wife Natalie, and James of Southborough and his wife Louise. He also leaves extended family members Bill and Lisa Ryan of River Forest, IL, Mary Ryan of Prince Frederick, MD, Chris Ryan of Billerica, Carolyn Ryan of New York City, Bob and Leigh Ann Ryan of Greenwich, CT, and his dear nieces and nephews Sarah, Steve and Billy, Claire, Daniel, Erin and Drew, Maija, James and Laila, Stephen and James, Ann, Henry and Billy, Carolyn and Gus, Lucy, Robert, Maggie and John William, a grandniece and grandnephew, cousins and his beloved dog Max, an undocumented Canadian bichon, who arrived in the country 10 years ago. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, on Saturday May 12 at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Friday, May 11, from 4-8 p.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Paul's memory to Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118. For directions and guestbook, gfdoherty.com. George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100

Published by Boston Globe from May 7 to May 10, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for PAUL MCMANUS

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We learned of Paul's passing and wanted to extend our sincere condolences to his wife and family. Mac served as an FJV support for our Jesuit Volunteer Corps Worcester house in 1989. He took us to lunches, drove us to appointments, played stickball with us, loaned us bicycles and helped us with the only speeding ticket we ever received in Worcester. He was an important part of our time in JVC -- inspiring us with his dedication to the marginalized and willingness to share his time with others. On behalf of our house: Tom, Genny, Noelle, Jim, Virginia-- our deepest sympathy.

Virginia Dotterweich-Mcgill

June 9, 2018

My condolences to the McManus family. I never had the chance to meet Paul but it sounds like he was a kind and compassionate man. My thoughts are with your family.
Ellen Prives

May 25, 2018

I only met Mr. Mcmanus once and it was as defendant in a criminal case being heard pretrial. I had seen a few other judges since that time, but found him to standout. He came across as someone who was fair and was willing to listen. I had wondered why I hadn't seen him in some time as I was hoping he would preside over additional aspects of my case. My sincere condolences to his family. Seemed like a genuine individual.

Anonymous

May 14, 2018

a loved one

May 11, 2018

Paul McManus just sparkled with wit, delighting in humor, creative and rigorous at the same time in ideas. Everyone would be happy just to bump into Paul and no one could be better to have on your team.
My condolences to his family for the loss of such a wonderful man.

Nancy Bennett

May 10, 2018

My deepest condolences to Liz and family on this enormous loss. What an amazing man and humanitarian. I am certain his compassion went mountains beyond his beloved canadian bijon. He has left his mark on the world, and now a huge hole. May his memory be a blessing.

fondly,
Marisa Serafini

MARISA SERAFINI

May 10, 2018

McManusFamily
please accept our DEEPEST Sympathy for the
lost of yourl ove one PLEASE Find Comfort In the. Hope
Given at John6:40Durning this time of Saddness....

May 10, 2018

Safe journey Paul as I know you are now embraced with the One Whom is all Good and Loving. It was an honor and a blessing to know you.

Deborah DiMaggrio

May 10, 2018

Elizabeth, Bobby, and Jack,

My parents and I (Bob, Anne, and Victoria Wills) are so very sorry and heartbroken to hear of Paul's passing. We are praying for all of you and hoping peace and love envelops you all.

Paul was literally one of the nicest men we've ever met. It was a true pleasure getting to know all of you when we were neighbors in Wellesley. We still talk about memories of playing baseball with the boys in the backyard. Paul always took the time to talk and really get to know us and it was never unnoticed.

Our sincerest and deepest condolences and you're in our prayers and thoughts.

All our love,
The Wills Family

Victoria Wills Rufo

May 9, 2018

We are all so fortunate to have known Paul. The obituary really captures what I could see every time I was with him: unfailing good humor and warmth, love of life, adventure, and family, and a genuine interest in others. I am so sorry for your loss.

John Barrett

May 9, 2018

To Liz and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Paul's death. As I read the great article about his contribution in the Boston Globe this morning, I was having flashbacks of him ambling over the Holy Cross campus with a big smile on his face. I was also reminded of how he married a woman who was loved and respected by so many at Holy Cross--he was lucky to have you, Liz. To Paul's family, you must be proud of Paul's wonderful work and well-lived life. I will carry forward the themes of justice, service, and happiness he exemplified. I wish you all well during these difficult times. - Maureen Pratt Devlin

Maureen Devlin

May 9, 2018

Is it possible to edit a previous entry? I would like to have my entry read:

"Paul was a bright ray of happiness, who would shine on my life like clockwork. I had the privilege of being one of the group of friends who would climb Mt. Monadnock every year around New Years. I met Paul through these climbs. He was one of the warmest, funniest, smartest and most caring people in the world. A jewel. My condolences to his family. He will be dearly missed."

Corey Washington

May 8, 2018

Paul was one of the kindest and genuinely compassionate people I have had the good fortune of knowing. Rest in peace

ROBERT GRIFFIN

May 8, 2018

Elizabeth, Bobby and Jack, Katie and I and the rest of the Walker family are deeply saddened by this news. Paul was a huge advocate for the underprivileged, and I for one, was inspired by his dedication and strength of character. He will be sorely missed. Our love to the whole family.

John Walker

May 8, 2018

Dear Elizabeth, Bob and Jack,
Running into Paul at our 35th Holy Cross reunion 2016 was absolutely one of the highlights of that weekend! We laughed so hard and mostly with such immense gratitude for the serendipities of life. One of his most valued of those being, "And I got to marry Elizabeth!!! Who would have believed that I would get that lucky?!"
I am stunned to have just learned of his passing. Paul was one of a kind in the best sort of way. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Most sincerely,
Mary Jane Calhoun-Donelan

Mary Jane Calhoun-Donelan

May 8, 2018

Elizabeth, Bobbie and Jack, Our deepest sympathy to you and the rest of your family for your tremendous loss. Our thoughts are with you all. June Carter and family.

June Carter

May 8, 2018

Paul has always and will continue to inspire so many of us to treat everyone with generous kindness and a sincere touch of humor.

Larry Tipton

May 8, 2018

The loss of is immeasurable,
but so is the love Paul left behind.
Paul was an inspiration to all who knew him; his love of his family, his dedication to the law and justice, a tireless and patient mentor, a beacon of light to those seeking justice.
Paul, you were simply wonderful. Thank you for being you.

adam a. kretowicz

May 8, 2018

We are saddened by Paul's death. He is gone too soon. Our deepest condolences.

Ardoth Hassler and Jim Short

May 8, 2018

Elizabeth Wright

May 8, 2018

My deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anne Daly

May 8, 2018

Marcin Walski

May 7, 2018

John and I extend our very deepest condolences for the loss of your wonderful brother (and brother in law). You will remain in our prayers. With Sympathy,

John & Mary Lou Griffin

May 8, 2018

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Arnie Lucinda Stewart

May 7, 2018

Paul was a bright ray of happiness, who would shine on my life like clockwork. I had the privilege of being one of the group of friends who would climb Mt. Monadnock every year around New Years. I met Paul through these climbs. He was warm, funny, smart, caring and wonderful. We would talk about law, our families, friends, work, and politics and laugh and laugh. He was a jewel. I will miss him dearly.

Corey Washington

May 7, 2018

Rich (Natalie) and the extended McManus family...my sincerest condolences on the passing of your brother Paul. We are judged by not only how we live but by what we leave behind. Be assured of Paul's success on both measures.

George Leidig

May 7, 2018

I am saddened to hear of paul's passing. The world is a darker place. A more compassionate judge and fiercer advocate could not be easily found. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace

Kevin Reddington

May 7, 2018

25 years ago Mac said to me:
Is she mad at you
Who? I asked
You know, her.
Who is her'? I asked.
The nun you stole that dress from. He said.

Heidi Wilson, Atty

May 7, 2018

My deepest sympathies

Shirley Woods

May 7, 2018

Jill MacDonald

May 7, 2018

To the McManus Family:

Please accept our deepest sympathies. The Judge made a tremendous difference in the many lives he touched. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan
And the Members of the Superior Court Clerks Association.

Michael Sullivan

May 7, 2018

BettyAnn

May 7, 2018

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Memorial Events
for PAUL MCMANUS

May

11

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley

477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

May

12

Funeral

9:00 a.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley

477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

May

12

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Paul Church

Wellesley, MA

Funeral services provided by:

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - Wellesley

477 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482

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