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Peter de Manio Obituary
MICHAEL, 72, a longtime resident of Sarasota, died on March 20, 2008 in Bedford, MA after a long battle with cancer. Peter will be remembered as the father of rowing in Sarasota, where he founded his first rowing program, the Sarasota Scullers, in his backyard in 1990, followed by Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program in 1991 and Osprey Oars in 2003. For eighteen years, Peter coached and mentored hundreds of students from area high schools. In addition to his programs' impressive record of athletic achievement that included many state, regional and national championships, Peter was particularly proud of his former students who went on to win world championships and Olympic medals. Peter's programs emphasized commitment to high standards and excellence not only in rowing but in all facets of life. For many, this translated into realizing the dream of college and successful careers afterwards. Peter was born in New York City on Oct. 9, 1935. After education at the University of Pennsylvania ('63) and the Washington and Lee Law School ('66), he lived in Winter Park, and then, since 1977, in Sarasota. Before his career in law, Peter served as lieutenant in the Army and pursued acting on stage and film, including a starring role in Walt Disney's, "Varda, the Peregrine Falcon". Peter was a distinguished trial lawyer and mediator for many years, taught trial advocacy and served for five years as a circuit judge in Orange County. A passionate man of many interests, he raced Thistles and Star boats to several championships, enjoyed chess and loved travel, history, literature, and languages. As a master rower, Peter successfully competed at the national level, winning a championship in the single scull in 1991. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Elizabeth Cragg de Manio, a realtor with Coldwell Banker of Sarasota; by his twin daughters, Jacqueline de Manio Eberley and her husband
Robert Eberley of Tenafly, N.J., and Genevieve de Manio and her husband Timothy Downing of Carlisle, MA; his son, Dinko Vucemilovic of New York, and by seven grandchildren. He was the son of Jack de Manio, a well-known British radio personality, and of Juliet Marie Kaufman of New York City and Palm Beach, FL. In 2008, Mr. de Manio moved to Bedford, MA, in order to be closer to his family. The de Manio family will be holding a funeral service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street in Concord, MA on Tuesday, March 25, at 3PM. The family is also planning a "Celebration of Life" service in Sarasota, Florida in mid-April. In lieu of flowers, we ask for contributions to the VNA Hospice Care, 100 Sylvan Road, Woburn, MA 01801. Arrangements under the care of
MacRae-Tunnciliffe's Concord Funeral Home, Belknap & Thoreau Sts., Concord, MA For online guestbook visit: www.concordfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter de Manio
t raymond suplee
April 18, 2008
Peter de Manio He loved: Betsy, Gigi, Jackie, Dinko ,,, his grandchildren and crew. He was: a son, a father, a grandfather, an attorney, a judge, driven, a winner, a coach, tall, an actor, and a rower. He liked : to win, the underdog, photography, sports, youth, to read, beauty, Penn, sail boats, travel, the water. He had a twinkle in his eyes and had a great presence.
Dr Ted Simon
April 17, 2008
My deepest condolences to Betsy and the family. Having known Peter to be a man with great conviction and pride I assure you he will never be forgotten.
Respectfully,
Jerrine Grim
April 16, 2008
Betsy, to you and all the family:
Peter made a positive difference in the lives of so many. May these shared thoughts be part of your good memories as you go forward. I am so very sorry for you loss.
Steve de Zwart
April 15, 2008
Betsy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peter will be remembered for his contributions to the sport of rowing in Florida.
Liv Bader-Shores
April 14, 2008
Dear Betsy and Family,
Bryan and I are so sorry to hear of your loss of Peter. We know that the memories will always comfort you and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Peter had multiple influences on my life. Beginning with Riverview Crew, he was the ultimate coach, motivator, and mentor. He was fair, even if I did not think so at times, and inspired you to perform well so that you could get that large grin and recognition from him. The lessons learned from him will always be with me and are ingrained into my character.
I always looked forward to reading articles my mother saved for me about Peter and his successes with rowers and boats long after my years. I have to admit, I am jealous of those that were able to row for him more than the one year that I was allotted. Peter's time and dedication to the sport were commendable and admirable. Where did he find the time to accomplish everything he did and with such enthusiasm?
Not only had Peter been an inspiration for me as a coach, he was also an inspiration for my mother while she was ill. Peter was a fighter and could inspire anyone to join his team and fight along side with him.
Last year, Bryan and I were so very grateful that Betsy and Peter attended our wedding. Even after knee surgery, you could find Peter on the dance floor, pain and all. I can not express how glad I was to have him and Betsy be a part of that day, Peter, with the large grin, having a grand time. He will be missed tremendously.
With Deepest Sympathies and Much Love,
Liv & Bryan
Tali and Melanie Anderson
April 7, 2008
Dear Betsy,
We were so sad to hear the news of Peter. Our hearts go out to you, and Jackie and Gigi. I know we didn't keep in touch after the many years passed but you were often in our thoughts and conversation, remembering how kind you were to Melanie and to me in those early years of single parenting, and the legal assistance from Peter. He was so highly esteemed in the community and no one every forgot him. Just two weeks ago I was at Jim Russ' 50th anniversary practicing law and I chatted with Greg Presnell about you and Peter.
We know the Lord will be your comfort during this time, Betsy, but it is still so difficult, and we pray you have many close friends around you, reaching out to you in love.
You will be often in our thoughts and prayers.
In Christ's love,
Chris Liwski
April 7, 2008
Dear Betsy & Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Peter. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
There are not many people who I can say impacted my life the way Peter did. By introducing me to the sport of rowing Peter literally changed the way my life has evolved over these past fourteen years as rowing has become my profession and a vehicle I have used to accomplish so much. None of this would have ever happened had I not been blessed with Peter's counsel and friendship.
While Peter's loss brings sadness to all who knew and loved him, Peter's life brought so much more to so many... and for that he will never be forgotten.
With deepest sympathy,
-Chris
GEOFF MONGE
April 6, 2008
PETE DID A GREAT SERVICE FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND ESPECAILLY OUR YOUTH WHEN HE BEGAN THE ROWING CLUB. MANY HAVE BENEFITTED FROM HIS DESIRE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE AND WE SHOULD ALL BE GRATEFUL! HIS WILLINGNESS TO HELP OUR YOUTH WILL BE MISSED.
April 4, 2008
so sorry to read that you lost peter. our thoughts are with you. cindy and dave kaighin
Rosa H Harmon
April 1, 2008
Stefanie, my daughter had the privilege to row for Peter at Osprey Oars. Not too long ago she told me he was one of the people who has influenced her life the most.
We will always have fond memories of Peter and respect for his integrity and passion.
Mike & Judi Day
March 31, 2008
Betsy, our thoughts are with you and your family at the loss of Peter. For us he was the father and founder of rowing in this area. Daily we continue to enjoy the pleasure of rowing on Little Sarasota Bay and thank you for guiding us to our home on Siesta Key.
Stan & Pat Briggs
March 30, 2008
Betsy:
As you know, our son Andy was also a student of Peter's, having the honor of rowing in the program in it's beginning years. We will always remember with fondness Peter's dedication to all of the participants.
As most of you know, Peter was a man of many talents. He demonstrated his fund raising abilities at a celebration ceremony back here in Sarasota, after a successful trip to the Northeast for a regatta. A boat flew off from the trailer on the interstate and was destroyed. Peter announced that the families would have "the opportunity" to purchase their son's section of the boat. Peter promptly cut the boat in four sections and with humor put the boat up for auction. I still have Andy's section with the seat attached in my attic.
I am sure there are many things to be proud of Peter's life. Being a teacher and mentor for so many of our children in their formative years ranks right up there at the top.
Best to you, Betsy, and the rest of the family.
Stan
Grant Earl
March 29, 2008
Betsy and family,
Anyone that came to know Peter can never forget him in the many successful paths through life that he took. I met him as he continued his successes in rowing and was lucky enough to join him. It certainly wasn't easy, as the first day he sat me down on an erg and said "Pull." When my feet proved to be too big for the boat, the next day he had bought some regular shoes and modified it so I would fit. Peter dominated the competition on and off the water.
His attention to detail was also noteworthy. After I left the SSYRP and entered college, we corresponded and I still remember how outstanding his penmanship was. When I would send letters back, I would make an extra effort to ensure that my chicken scratch would come a little closer to matching his elegant strokes of the pen. However, this must be expected from a man who could see your port hand was 2 inches too far down the oar from a moving boat 20 yards away.
All my sympathy and respect,
Grant
Donna Peterson
March 28, 2008
Dear Betsy,
I had the pleasure to work with Peter as his court reporter for many depositions during his practice of law in Sarasota. He never ceased to challenge me to have to look up the spelling of words that he would use in his depositions. He enjoyed speaking succintly with descriptive words that not everyone knew! His command of the English language and all of its nuances, which he was continually working at and adding to, made transcribing his depositions a challenge and a pleasure. He once took a deposition where we discussed quibbling with a witness, which I will never forget. He began the deposition by asking the witness if he knew what the meaning of "quibbling" was, then actually explaining it to him. After several more hours of examination, he closed the deposition with a reminder of what quibbling was and even getting the witness to agree that quibbling is what he had done! He was a master at taking cross-examination.
Peter's love of rowing and coaching was always apparent. He told me he got more from coaching the kids than they got from him, if they only knew it. It was a great joy to him. He later had great influence on my own daughter when she rowed under his program for three years, where I also got to know you. I watched him influence, challenge, and empower young people. He once told me he thought he should have been a teacher and that young minds were hungry for knowledge.
I first met Peter when you moved to Sarasota. He was always very proud of you and your family. I remember the day he told me he was going to be a grandfather and how much he looked forward to that experience.
My heart is heavy now, knowing he is gone. His positive influence on so many will not be forgotten. My deepest condolocences to you and your family.
Donna Hampton
March 28, 2008
Betsy, I wish to express my sincere condolenses for the loss of your beloved Peter. I lost my husband 20 months ago. If I can do anything to help you thru this very difficult time, please don't hesitate to contact me. "It is so lonesome, the land of tears."
Caroline van der Poel
March 27, 2008
Betsy, Jackie, Gigi and Dinko,
I was just notified by another alum of our rowing program of this news...I guess I feel the same as so many of us who had the pleasure of having him in our lives at such a paramount moment of development. He was a hero, a mentor, and someone who had a profound impact on my life and for that I am eternally gratefull. I am equally proud to have had all of you in my life as well and can only send you my love and sincere symapthies in this moment and those that lie ahead. I await the news of the April celebration here in Fl so that I may have the opportunity to pay the respect that he so merits as well as his proud family. I send you all my love.
Zachary Selskey
March 27, 2008
It is with sadness that I am writing about Peter and not to him. I cannot say enough about Peter and the influence he had on me and all of his rowers. He was a great mentor on and off the water... I will never forget him. My deepest sympathies to the de Manio family.
Bruce, Janet, and Natalee Steves
March 26, 2008
It was such a pleasure to meet Peter during the "Osprey Oars" phase of his coaching career. We spent a lot of time working at the house and were virtual "flys on the wall" as he dealt with his latest batch of recruits (our surly daughter being one). His direct and honest communication style and his passion are the things I remember most. More adults should be brave enough to try it. The kids loved (and hated) but totally respected him for it. He was a role model to kids and parents alike. We will miss him.
Philip Lindenbaum
March 26, 2008
Betsy and Family;
I read about your beloved husband yesterday and was quite saddened to learn of your loss. My most sincere sympathy, Betsy, to you and your family. Phil Lindenbaum
Matthew Liwski, DPM
March 25, 2008
Betsy and Family,
I cannot say enough about Peter in this space. He was and always will be a guiding light for me and the hundreds of others he touched while he coached us; not just in rowing but life in general. I will never forget his hardy laugh and clapping of hands when one of his rowers succeeded (As he did for me so many times). He will be missed.
Gary & Helen Baines
March 25, 2008
Dear Betsy, Gigi, Jackie and family,
We were saddened to hear of Peter's death but know that he certainly fought long and hard to beat his illness. Gary said that he will miss having that row that he and Peter just talked about. Peter was an excellent oarsman with great competitive spirit that helped him to excel in all that he did. We will miss him with you and look forward to the celebration of his life.
Hugs and prayers,
Anne (Skornicka) Brozoskie
March 25, 2008
Peter was a great influence on me. He taught me to row in 1990 and I continued to row in college because of him. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Edith Weinberger
March 25, 2008
I valued Peter's friendship. I'm keeping the famous dollar, but the Penn/Cornell game will never have the same meaning. My fondest love, Betsy and family, Edy
Susan Slovin
March 25, 2008
To the DeManio family:
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Peter was a true fighter with an indomitable will. His spirit has touched us all.
I share your loss.
Susan Slovin, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Devin Harms
March 25, 2008
To this day (and every day) I still take two steps at-a-time when I climb the stairs because Peter saw it as an opportunity to get exercise. It is the little things like that which are so simple but yet you learn them from your coach and it sticks with you for the rest of your life. Now my 6 year old daughter wants to climb the stairs two-at-a-time and it melts my heart. The truth be told my whole life was transformed by Peter! I was the average, over-weight kid afraid to let his shirt rest against his chest and stomach. Thanks to rowing and Peter I slimmed down, my confidence went up, and eventually my peers chose me as Captain of the Crew. That leadership role has carried me through-out life and I'm very proud to this day to say I was one of deManio's oarsman (Sarasota Sculler / Riverview Crew). To all who share in the loss of Peter....may we carry with us the talents and gifts that he bestowed upon us. Blessings to the family.
Sharyn and Marvyn Selskey
March 24, 2008
Peter was a real standup guy, honest, tough but fair, and a great coach...he coached our son in high school....he will be missed. Our condolences to his family.
Peter Bogacz
March 23, 2008
I just learned of Peter's death today and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Having rowed under Peter and coached for him I have to say that I always had respect for the man even if he was telling me that I was not good enough for his first boat. He was a man who really could tell it like it was and did not care if that fell on ears that wanted to hear it or not. He was the best coach that I ever had and that takes a lot of coaches into account, from my being 9 years old playing baseball to my time rowing at Syracuse. The rowing world has lost a large part of itself with his passing. But as a larger part the world has lost a great man. I extend my deepest sympathies to not only his close family but also the extended family of all his current and past rowers. He was truly a man that brought the light of truth and honor to bear on you and if you would stand up to it you would come out a better rower and a better person. Again my entire family gives it best wishes to his family. God bless.
stephen and patricia wall
March 23, 2008
for the DeManio family. We will always remember Peter both as a family and as Pamel's coach in the Sarasota Scullers. He was a wonderful human being. our Sincerest condolences
Pamela Wall
March 23, 2008
Rowed with Peter from 1999-2003. Peter was my driving force to continue rowing once I went to The University of Central Florida, where I continued rowing for four more years. Peter taught me discipline and the meaning of commitment. He will never be forgotten, and I will take the values he taught me and put them to use throughout my life. Thank you for everything Peter.
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