David Manson

David Leroy Manson

October 23, 1947 – October 31, 2025

The sun rose on David Leroy Manson's life October 23, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. From an early age, David displayed remarkable talent and discipline. A tenor saxophone prodigy, he was performing in jazz clubs by the age of 14, his music a soulful expression of the limitless spirit that would come to define his character. Though his path later led him away from the stage, that creative passion remained with him throughout his life.

David graduated from John Adams High School in June 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Army the following year. He served with distinction as a Captain during the Vietnam War, earning honors that include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Gallantry Cross, Combat infantryman Badge, and two Overseas Service Bars. The valor and humility he demonstrated in service became the enduring rhythm of his life.

After his military service, David pursued higher education, earning his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. His professional journey began at General Electric and later continued at Apogee Industries. During this time, he assumed his most cherished roles as husband and father.

He led as an Assistant Scout Master at Troop 21, a local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America; David was respected and beloved by scouts and parents alike. His deep interest in people and community led him to complete a graduate degree in Psychology at West Chester University. Though he began work toward a Ph.D., he ultimately chose a path outside academia - one that led to a fulfilling career as a therapist through Temple University's School of Psychology and the Philadelphia Consortium Inc., where his passion for outreach and helping others left a lasting Impact.

David was a man of many passions: reading, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking, and carpentry. His greatest joy, however, was his family, whom he adored. With his daughter, Michelle, by his side, the sun set on David's life on October 31, 2025.

David is remembered with love by extended family, dear friends, and those whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering generosity; survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Rachel Manson; his children, Michelle Manson Bagley, husband Jeffrey Bagley, Brian Manson, fiancee Tia Beete and their cherished granddaughter, Brielle Manson; Damico Manson Edwards, husband Terence Edwards, their children Toni Penn, Terri Edwards, and Daniel Edwards; and his brothers, Darren King, wife Denise, and Russell Smith, wife Yvonne and their children. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pearline Bridgman; his father, Carroll L. Manson; his anointed mother, Frances Harriet Manson; and his brother, Mahmud Abdul Basir Jabbar.

True to the meaning of his surname, GREATNESS was David's defining character; he lived a life marked by quiet strength, selfless love, and unwavering commitment to family and service. He left this world better than he found it. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the love he gave so freely.