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
