Kevin P. McManus

Kevin P. McManus

Binghamton - Kevin P. McManus, 68, of Binghamton died on February 16, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Lillian McManus, nephew Michael McManus, nephew Matthew McManus, sister-in-law Ellen McManus, and father and mother in law James and Janice Heslin. He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Maureen (Heslin) McManus, daughter and son-in-law Meredith and Daniel Whalen and granddaughter Maeve who was born on February 20th. He fought as hard as he could to be here for Meredith and Daniel for the birth of his granddaughter and he will be her Guardian Angel. Kevin is survived by a large extended family; his sister Mary (William) Kozel, his brothers Joseph McManus, Michael (Kathleen) McManus, Francis (Margaret) McManus, Patrick (Sheila) McManus, and Daniel (JoAnne) McManus, and his brother and sister in laws Bridget (James) Callahan, Kevin (Julie) Heslin, Terrence (Kathleen) Heslin, Susan (John) Wanamaker, and James Heslin. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and many great friends. He was supported and comforted during his last few months by a very special cousin and dear friend Eileen Fox. Kevin was a man of deep faith and had a great love for his family and friends. He was a kind, generous, loyal and caring individual. Kevin lived his entire life in Binghamton, graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1968 and the Simmons School of Mortuary Science in 1970. Upon graduation, he was employed by McDevitt Brothers Funeral Home for 38 years. In 2008, he became the owner of McDevitt & McManus Funeral Home. Kevin was very proud of his profession as a Funeral Director for 48 years helping family and friends through the loss of a loved one. He was meticulous in his attention to detail supporting families with comfort, encouragement as well as a level of humor at their time of despair. He was a true professional with a goal "to have a family come in as a customer and leave as a friend". He succeeded in many ways in that endeavor. Kevin was a true and loyal friend to many people. The quote about him in his 1968 Yearbook states: "A constant friend is a thing rare and hard to find". A constant friend he was for the remaining 50 years of his life up until the very end. We will never know how many people he helped along the way with his generosity as he acted in a compassionate and confidential manner. He nurtured and developed many lifetime friendships growing up on Ayres Street and being a proud member of the Byron Bobcats. He loved living on the west side and practicing his Catholic faith at St. Patrick's Church. Kevin had an exceptional sense of humor that he shared with all his family and friends. Everyone was fair game. If his humor was directed at you, that meant you were special. Kevin was not one to venture far away from the west side. In the fall of 2016 on the spur of the moment he, Meredith and Brother Joe attended a Cleveland Indians playoff game. Meredith and Joe remember tears running down his face during the national anthem. In March of 2014, lifetime friends Ronnie and Kathy Reich and Kevin and Patty Burns convinced he and Maureen to travel to Ireland. In April of 2015 the six of them traveled to the Dominican. They have fond memories of visiting those special places with special friends. He battled his illness in a courageous and inspirational manner. He was never angry or afraid about his fate. Rather, he told many of us on numerous occasions how grateful he was for the life he has had to live and the family and friends he has had the opportunity to share his life with. He had a deep faith and always reassured us that everything was going to be ok no matter what happens to him. Maureen and Meredith were at the center of Kevin's life. They had many wonderful moments vacationing in Wildwood and traveling to Cleveland to watch his beloved Indians. Throughout their 40 years of marriage and nearly 35 years with Meredith they shared many laughs, good times, as well as some sorrow and sadness. Every day the three of them connected with each other and made sure all was well. Kevin was so proud and honored to have Daniel Whalen officially join the family on June 28, 2014. Over their time together they developed a strong and loving bond. Kevin was loved and admired by all members of the McManus and Heslin families. His life has had a tremendous positive impact on us all. He thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings sharing laughs and sorrows over 4 generations. He had a special connection to the youth of our respective families making them the center of his attention and making them feel welcome and special. The family would like to recognize the medical staff of hospice for their care and compassion over the last few days of Kevin's life. They were extremely professional and helpful during a very difficult time. Kevin - you gave it everything you had. May you rest in peace. GO INDIANS! A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church on Saturday at 10am. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at a later date in Calvary Cemetery. Family will receive friends at St. Patrick's Church, 9 Leroy Street, Binghamton on Friday from 3:00-7:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Johnson City Wildcat Alumni and Friends. Attention: Superintendent's Office, 666 Reynolds Road, Johnson City, NY 13790. Arrangements by: McDevitt & McManus Funeral Home, LLC., 88-90 Front Street, Binghamton, NY.