Martin S. Manley

DARTMOUTH — Martin S. Manley, 76, of Dartmouth, a well-known figure on the New Bedford waterfront and in the New Bedford fishing industry, died Sunday, August 16, 2009.

Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Edward L. and Genevieve (Luce) Manley, he lived in New Bedford for most of his life.

Mr. Manley was a commercial fisherman for 38 years, and at the age of 20, was one of the youngest skippers out of the Port of New Bedford.

He had been the owner and operator of several scallopers on the Eastern Seaboard, the last being the F/V Mary Anne, which he designed, built, and operated with great pride. He had served as the director of the City of New Bedford Harbor Development Commission for several years and later was the manager of the Popes Island Marina until his retirement in 2007. He had also served as a member of the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority and the Economic Development Commission.

Mr. Manley was a tireless advocate for the commercial scallop fishing industry. He was recognized as an industry leader and received numerous awards and accolades, including Helmsman of the Year from the Port of Gloucester. He was a member and former President of the Offshore Mariners Association.

He was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was an avid sport fan and outdoorsman who enjoyed trips to the Maine woods with the boys. He was a wonderful cook and gardener.

Survivors include his former wife, Denyse M. (Doody) Manley of New Bedford; five sons, Martin D. Manley and his wife, Anne of Dartmouth, Thomas M. Manley and his wife, Lynne of East Freetown, James P. Manley of Assonet, Timothy E. Manley and his wife, Maribeth of East Freetown; and John P. "Jack" Manley and his wife, Beth of Assonet; a daughter, Mary Anne Mont and her husband, Frank of East Freetown; a brother, Thomas Manley of New Bedford; two sisters, Mary Close of Denver, CO, and Anne Lemenager of Fairhaven; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Edward "Ned" Manley, Margaret Butler, Barbara Lachapelle, and Martha MacMullen.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at St. Julie Billiart Church, North Dartmouth. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-9 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery will be private.

For directions and guest book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.