William H. Manley

March 9, 2024
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Bill Manley peacefully entered eternal rest on March 9th in Falmouth, Massachusetts at the home he shared with his daughter and son-in-law.  Always the optimist, he faced his terminal illness with grace and courage, telling his son a few weeks before his passing, “Don’t be sad when it’s time.  I‘m going to be with my beautiful Pauline and I can’t wait to see her.”

Bill was born in Nashua, NH on October 16th, 1930 to George Robert and Bertha (Robbins).  The eldest of three children, he was predeceased by bis siblings, George Robert and Lillian Lavoie.  He attended Nashua schools and graduated from Nashua High School in 1948.  A sports enthusiast, he spent his youth playing basketball at the YMCA with his countless friends.

Bill was a patriotic flag waiver who proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army’s 223rd Combat Infantry during the Korean War.  He received the Combat Infantry badge and two bronze stars for his bravery.  Bill emerged from the war a staunch pacifist.

Upon his return, Bill married Pauline Raymond in 1954 and they enjoyed 62 years together before her passing in 2016.

Through the GI Bill and the support of his wife, Bill graduated from St. Anselm College where he served as Vice President of his class and was awarded membership to the prestigious Red Key Society.  He continued his education studying at Boston University and earned his master’s degree in education from Rivier College.

Bill’s passion was education and children.  He began his career as an elementary and junior high school teacher in Wilton, NH followed by 31 years as an educator in the Nashua School System.  He was an elementary school supervisor and a principal at Temple Street School and Ledge Street School.

Bill and Pauline had a glorious retirement, taking countless cruises and trips both domestically and to Europe.  A staunch Catholic, he took great comfort in his faith.  This proved to be especially true during the 8 years he selflessly cared for his beloved Pauline during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bill is survived by his daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Bob Riordan of Falmouth, MA, his son Bill Manley of Belmont, MA, and grandchildren Andrew and Brittany Riordan of Gilford, NH and Nora Grayson of Providence, RI   He also leaves behind brother-in-law Richard Raymond and  his wife, Dee, sisters in-laws Eileen Marquis, Carole Raymond and Lorraine Lessard and many nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, March 18th from 5pm – 8pm at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 19th at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua. Interment will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends can make donations to causes close to Bill’s heart:

The Corpus Christi Food Pantry, 3 Crown Street, Nashua, NH 03060. https://corpuschristifoodpantry.org/ The Salvation Army, 1 Montgomery Avenue, Nashua, NH 03060. https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northern-new-england/nashua/  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

15 Comments on William H. Manley

Debra Park (Robbins) said : Guest Report May 16, 2024 at 7:58 PM

I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was my cousin. His mother was my father’s sister. I will always remember Bill as being a kind and wonderful person. RIP Bill you will be missed by so many people who love you.Please find my Dad and give him a hug for me.

Isabel Collura said : Guest Report Mar 30, 2024 at 12:44 PM

I met Bill and Pauline when they lived at Langdon Place in Nashua, where my father, Joe, also lived. I always loved running into Bill in the hallways, who was also very sociable and upbeat, and seeing how lovingly he cared for Pauline. He must have been a wonderful husband, father, and educator. My brief conversations with him, he was always so encouraging, he made me feel like anything was possible. Sending my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.

Jodie Andruskevich said : Guest Report Mar 19, 2024 at 11:11 AM

My condolences to Mr. Manley's family. He was my Principal at Temple St. School. He was a wonderful man! I will remember him fondly. Rest in peace Bill.

Chris J. said : Guest Report Mar 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM

He was my principal at Ledge Street from 1979-1984 before I moved to a different school. I remember being in a Christmas production and walking around with my hair died white and calling myself a "Mini-Manley." He was a gentleman, generous with is smile, and looking back I get the sense he had the support of his teachers - and that they supported him. He made an impression on me, and I think of him fondly. Rest in Peace, Mr. Manley!

Diana LeBlanc said : Guest Report Mar 18, 2024 at 6:25 PM

The world is a better place because your dad was in it. I loved the letter he wrote to everybody - it was so compassionate and full of his unique humor and so true to his personality. My family and I treasure the memories and moments he spent with my dad. How lucky that my dad found a friend in his 90s! Thank you Bill and Kathy for sharing your dad with us. May his memory be a blessing.

Betsy Feiker said : Guest Report Mar 17, 2024 at 9:53 PM

I taught in Nashua for thirty years, and I had the good fortune of spending fifteen of them working for Bill. Bill was that rare boss who recognized and brought out the best in those who worked for him. Always open and forthright, Bill instilled in me a desire to do a good job simply because he thought I would. And for that I am truly grateful. When I look back on my years of teaching, it is the time I spent working for Bill that brings back the best memories. So I want to say thank you, Bill, and (in your words), God love ya!

Marlene Levesque Paquin said : Guest Report Mar 17, 2024 at 1:04 PM

So Sorry for your loss. My mother, Aunt Martha Levesque loved Billy and took great pride in his college graduation and choice to pursue a career in child education. I have the card in my baby book he sent her from Korea when I was born which she treasured. Sorry I will not be able to attend the service.

Stephanie Norris said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2024 at 10:49 AM

Heartfelt thoughts are with your family during this time of deep sorrow. Your dad was a dear friend of my husband and mine. We started together at Temple St. school . I always appreciated his smile, professionalism and pleasant ways. He stood out for many years as an outstanding educator/administrator and an incredible individual with a great sense of humor. He will be remembered with fond memories by so many who loved, respected & treasured him. May he be resting in peace now🙏

Scott said : Guest Report Mar 13, 2024 at 12:16 PM

Mr Manley was my principle at Ledge Street.. He was tough, i remember having to be brought into his office over a "fight" with a friend. He mentioned what friendship was supposed to mean. Not sure why that stuck with me all these years. He actually visited by place of business a few years back too, impossible to NOT recognize. He made an impact for sure. God Speed.

Steve said : Guest Report Mar 13, 2024 at 8:51 AM

My thoughts are with the Manley family. Mr Manley was my principal at Ledge St and made a lasting impression on my life. Even at that young age when so many doubted what I could accomplish he didn't. I didn't have the best grades yet he took the time to tell my parents - I know kids and you don't have to worry about him, he'll do great. That stuck with me to this day. I went on to get my Masters degree and that statement from Mr Manley has always stayed with me. He was a great man.

Ron Lavallee said : Guest Report Mar 13, 2024 at 7:31 AM

My condolences to the Manley family, especially my friend, son Bill. I know his dad made a huge difference in so many people's lives, especially those of us who reside in Mr. Manley's beloved city of Nashua. As a lifelong resident myself, I know how special our city must have been to Bill and Pauline, and now they're reunited, watching over everyone, together, in their own special heavenly paradise.

Charles Katsohis said : Guest Report Mar 12, 2024 at 7:36 PM

William - what can I say to you that you have not heard from me before? You have been my best friend ever since I started teaching and spent the summer at Temple St. next door to you by your office. A few years later 5 to be exact, I got my first principalship and then you became my supervisor and a great one. We had a wonderful time both working with the kids in Nashua. It was great when you decided to return back to being a principal at Ledge St School. How fortunate those kids were to have you as their principal till your retirement. Thanks for being a great colleague during all those years but more importantly my true friend. You loved your children Billy and Kathy and you cherished Pauline till the day she passed. As you always ended your phone calls with me”God Love You”. Till we see each other again “May Your Life Be Eternal”. Always Charlie

Ken Renoux said : Guest Report Mar 12, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Remember him as a School Principal...a great guy...

Sherrie Raymond said : Guest Report Mar 12, 2024 at 7:09 PM

To my Uncle Bill, remembering countless family holidays, cookouts and pool parties. You being the school Principal at my grade school, only after I entered junior high. The many stories over the years, your kindness and gentle manner , rest peacefully , love your Niece Sherrie

Shelly said : Guest Report Mar 12, 2024 at 2:23 PM

So sorry for your loss. Bill shone a light that will only be extinguished in the material world. His light will forever shine in the hearts of those he graced with his presence.

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