Paul Gardiner Manahan

1954 - 2019

With his loved ones at his side, PAUL GARDINER MANAHAN, 65, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, loved by all who knew him and adored by all who loved him.
Paul was born on August 18, 1954, to Patricia Cass and David Vincent Manahan.
He grew up in Morristown, N.J., as one of six kids. The stories of his youth showed Paul's creativity and his love of a good laugh. Tired of being picked on by his older brother, he locked him out of the house in a snowstorm with nothing but a towel; joining his brothers, he crushed Mrs. Tonry's hedges diving for Wiffle Ball home runs; and he grew a mustache and passed himself off as New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson.
Paul came to Charleston, W.Va., to attend Morris Harvey College (he is still mad they changed the name) where he was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He received a degree in elementary education and taught physical education at Oakwood and Fort Hill elementary schools in the 1980s. His most famous student, Jennifer Garner, would later say that she had a "crush on Mr. Manahan" in her elementary schools days.
He married Sue Haas on October 23, 1993, and, together, they had three beautiful children: Emma Ruth, Erin Jean, and Will Gardiner. Emma is a graduate of Marshall University and is a high school social worker in Chesapeake, Va.; Erin is set to graduate from West Virginia State University with a degree in elementary education; and Will is a senior at Capital High School and plans to pursue a degree in music.
His oldest child, Matthew, lives in Chesapeake, Va., with his wife, Amanda, and their three beautiful children: Janessa Joy, Kalman Robert and Salina Ruth.
Paul worked in the commercial and food service equipment industry for 30 years, most recently as a managing partner with C & T Design. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church where he served in the finance council and helped with prison ministry.
He traded fishing at Long Beach Island in New Jersey for the waters of West Virginia, Canada and Lake Erie. He loved to fish for Walleye and would bring back plenty for his pastor, Father John, and anyone else who loved to taste it.
A fierce competitor on the tennis and basketball courts, he hardly ever swore - unless he was watching a Mountaineers football game.
Paul's recent memories with his family underscored his love for those close to him, such as crossing the finish line of a 5k holding hands with his daughter Emma; taking Erin fishing on her 21st birthday; sharing his love of the Beatles with Will by taking him to a Paul McCartney concert; visiting his grandchildren in Chesapeake and telling them stories of their father growing up; and taking a float trip with Sue down the New River, fishing and taking in the beauty of West Virginia.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sue; his four children, Matthew (Amanda), Emma, Erin and Will; his three grandchildren, Janessa, Kalman and Salina; his siblings, Denise Forgione (Michael), Kevin (Linda), George (Susan) and Jerome (Debra).
Preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Cass; father, David Vincent; and brother, David Brian.
He is also survived by Sean Hyde, a cherished nephew and godson, whom helped him daily while he was in the hospital.
There will be a celebration of Paul's life on Saturday, September 28, at Blessed Sacrament Church in South Charleston. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the Celebration Mass from 11 a.m. to noon.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Paul and the wonderful medical staff on 5 South at Charleston Area Medical Center, friends are asked to make a contribution to the CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Avenue, SE, Charleston, WV 25304.
Memories of Paul may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.