Richard Mannion

MANNION, Richard of Gulfport, passed away April 20, 2011, at the age of 77. He was born in Queens, NY to Adrian and Marie Mannion and was raised in Brooklyn. Richard is survived by his brothers, Robert (Margaret) Mannion and Raymond Mannion; his children Kathleen (Christopher Vocar) Mannion, Patrick (Yuko) Mannion, Jennifer (Dr. John) Fox, Colleen Mannion, and seven grandchildren. A gifted writer and public speaker, Richard graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1955 with a degree in Journalism. While living in Brooklyn, he began his career in NYC as a writer for the Catholic Press Association. Taking a job with Marathon Oil Company, he moved to Findlay, OH, in the early 1970s. In the mid 70s, Richard served as Hancock County chairman of the Democratic Party. He campaigned and wrote speeches for John Glenn, Morris Udall, Sergeant Shriver, among others. He retired in 1998 as Director of Public Relations for Marathon Oil Company, a USX subsidiary. A fearless man, Richard was never afraid to travel off the beaten path. A passionate protester of corrupt government, he was one of the last Americans to leave Havana, Cuba following the overthrow of the Trujillo regime in the early 1960s. Throughout his adult life, Richard was very involved with coaching youth athletics. While a young adult in Brooklyn, he mentored and coached gang and at-risk youths. He was a long time supporter of Native Americans. Richard championed the causes of human rights, migrant farm workers and minority youth. He was actively involved in the creation of Findlay's youth soccer program. He coached soccer at Findlay College from 1982-1983. A fiercely proud Irish American, Richard deeply loved his family and encouraged his children to make a positive change in the world. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to worthwhile charitable causes. A memorial service will take place at a later date.