William David Manley

Brattleboro- William David, "Bill" Manley, a lifelong resident of the area who resided in West Chesterfield, passed away unexpectedly Friday evening, March 6, 2026 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. He was 77 years old.

Bill was born in Brattleboro on November 24, 1948, the son of Howard and Mildred (Swensen) Manley. He attended local public schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1967.

He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. He was stationed in Germany and Korea. Bill later became a member of the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5.

Upon his return home from the military, Bill went to work for United Parcel Service (UPS) out of Brattleboro before retiring after 35 years. During retirement he remained active, helping his son-in-law with his mowing business in the Keene area.

An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, both alpine and nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and playing horseshoes. Most importantly, Bill cherished time with his family, especially camping at Mascoma Lake in Lebanon, N.H.

Bill will be remembered for his gift of humility, generosity, and spirit of friendship.

He was first married to Edith "Edie" Blanchard on September 9, 1967 at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. Edie predeceased him on January 25, 2011.

Bill later married Jean Santino in West Chesterfield on April 8, 2022. The couple had been together for eleven happy years.

Besides his devoted and loving wife of almost four years, he leaves three daughters, Sue Freitas (Jon) of Keene, Heather Monsell (Jeff) of Pittstown, N.J. and Tricia Tucker (Craig) of Troy, N.H.; two step-sons, Dan Santino (Colleen) of West Chesterfield and John Santino (Toni) of Derry, N.H.; 12 grandchildren, one great grandson and a second great grandson soon to be born. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, and several cousins.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Ronald and Lawrence "Jay", and a son, William David Jr., who died in infancy.

Graveside committal services in Meeting House Hill Cemetery with military honors are being conducted later in the springtime.

Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 6 P.M.

Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to The Friends of Harris Hill, Giving at HHSJ, P.O. Box 8284, Brattleboro, VT 05304; or to Living Memorial Park Snow Sports, 1 Memorial Park Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301.