Robert L. Manning

1925 - 2017

Robert Lee Manning died early Saturday morning, November 11, 2017 at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris, ME. He was born on August 20, 1925 in Bangor, Maine the only child of Phyllis Moran Manning and Herbert Manning. Bob grew up in Millinocket, Maine living with his maternal grandparents, Gilbert Burton GB Moran and wife Elsie; and Bobs uncles, Charles, Lester Dwinel, and Burton. Surrounded and inspired by the beauty of northern Maine, Bob became an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hiking and hunting. Later in his life he became a field trial judge for hunting dogs, particularly retrievers. Bob, or Bobby as he was known in Millinocket, graduated from George W. Stearns High School in Millinocket. In 1943, he enlisted in the army and served as a glider copilot in Europe during World War II. He aspired to be part of the Airborne Division, and though he was never chosen to go into combat, he was in line for selection several times. While in the service, Bob earned the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, EuropeanAfricanMiddle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. After the war, Bob attended St Lawrence University in Canton, NY on the GI Bill. He joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity where he became known as Red for his red hair. At college he met his wife of over sixty years, Barbara Schaefer. The couple was devoted to their alma mater and throughout their lives kept in contact with their many college friends and Reds fraternity brothers. Working as a salesman for Alcoa, Trim Alloys and Industrial Aluminum, Bob covered the east coast. His easy way with people and his gregarious nature made him a natural sales person. After frequently relocating for work, Bob and his family finally settled in Boxford, MA. The Mannings hosted many annual parties: Fly Sunday; The Thompson Lake Golf Open; and a New Years Day Party, where a special libation known as milk punch was routinely served, to great effect and much hilarity. Bob had a true gift to connect with people he was kind and generous to children and adults alike. He was always eager to offer a small child a ride in his boat, or to lead a gaggle of children on a snipe hunt in the dark. Countless grownup children remember chasing through forests with flashlights at night, at Bobs instigation There he goes get him!. Bob most enjoyed spending time with friends and family and watching the fish jump at his camp in Poland, ME. He is survived by his son Rob; his daughterin law, Denise; his grandson, Alec; cousins, Jean Evans, Peter Moran and Lester Dwinel Moran. Bob Manning will be terribly missed by all who knew him. Donations can be made in Bobs memory to the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris, ME, St Lawrence University or to Friends of Baxter State Park.