Obituary published on Legacy.com by Accent Funeral Home - Meridian on Feb. 25, 2026.
Jerold Hugh Manley
Age 79, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with his family by his side. Beloved husband of the late Aranetta Marie for 53 years. Loving father of: Lynnette Nieberger (Troy), Deanna Manley, and Heather Manley. Proud PawPaw of: Bryce Nieberger (Liza), Chad Nieberger (Haileigh), Ty Nieberger, Zach Manley (Alyssa), and Maggie Manley. Great Paw Paw to, Adilynn Nieberger and Eisley Nieberger. Treasured son of the late Jeanette Murphy (Sam) and Leslie Manley, Jr. Cherished brother of: the late Sandra Carmody, Gregory Manley (Donna), and Jeffrey Manley (Marcia). He will also be greatly missed by his cousins: Judith, Susie, Jimmy, and Marsha, as well as extended family and life-long friends.
Jerold, Jerry, Jer, Dad, PawPaw, Miss, (or anything else except being called late to dinner is what he'd say) life was all about family, trains, and travel. He was admired by his co-workers and excelled in his career.
Jerold Hugh Manley was born and raised in
Rochester, NY. He enjoyed: playing in the fields around his home, Boy Scouts, boating, building things, watching trains with his uncle, and spending time on his aunt and uncle's farm. He and his siblings had fun together growing up in Rochester, living next door to family, going out on the lake and eating hamburgers from Don & Bob's.
Out of high school Jerry worked as stage crew and lighting on the musical "Stop the World … I Want to Get Off!" where he met his bride, Aranetta. They fell in love, got married, and raise three amazingly intelligent and beautiful daughters.
He always made improvements around his homes. Jerry painted, wallpapered, added decks, patios, two-story additions, lighting, kitchen island, laundry room, laid floors, built vanities, built furniture, built swing sets, planted landscaping, and anything else that is imaginable. Homes in Plum Boro, PA,
Herndon, VA,
Las Vegas, NV, and
Kuna, ID all have his touch.
His career began at a broadcasting station in
Rochester, NY. Next he worked at a new TV station, WPGH in Pittsburgh, PA, and then was hired as a film editor at KDKA- Pittsburgh. From there Jerry moved to WRC-NBC in Washington, DC, and taught himself video tape editing. His last career move was starting his own editing business, Broadcast Associates. He enjoyed being his own boss until he retired.
During his career, Jerry's amazing editing skills earned him several elite recognitions: 4 Emmy Awards, the White House News Photographers Association Award (he got to meet President Reagan), and a Telly Award.
Jerry loved to travel and spend vacations together with family. From long road trips that started in his childhood, to flying and cruising around the world. He achieved his Bucket List of visiting all 50 states on his last cross country road trip and journeyed many times to Disneyland, Disney World, and most recently Disneyland Paris.
He loved his family with unconditional love and devotion. He was always up for a game of Mexican Train or a puzzle. He enjoyed watching TV shows on History Channel, Discovery, HGTV, or NASA. He also liked movies like Westerns, Science Fiction, classics and Musicals.
Jerry's passion was for trains. Watching trains, riding trains, looking for trains, playing with trains, you name it. The sound of the train whistle, the clanging of the crossing bell, the clicking-claks of the train cars, the screeching of train wheels on the steel tracks. That was his happy place.
There will be a celebration of life for Jerold this summer. In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to a National Park, State Park, or Train museum.