Served in U.S. Navy, worked for Raytheon
Published in the December 4, 2015 edition
MELROSE — William T. McManus, 79, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Nov. 23.
William was born in Winchester on Dec. 29, 1935 and was one of four children of the late John J. and Gladys A. (Sinnett) McManus. He was raised in Medford before the family moved to Melrose, where he graduated from Melrose High School. Bill served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. He married Kathryn DeCoste in September of 1955, and they lived in Billerica before returning to Melrose.
Bill McManus worked for Raytheon as a manager in the Printed Wiring Design Department for 35 years. As a dedicated employee of Raytheon, Bill had a strong work ethic and was able to provide for his family of six children. Bill was a longtime member of the Saugus VFW Post #2346, and enjoyed watching the Boston sports teams. He was a longtime parishioner at Incarnation Church and enjoyed umpiring for Incarnation Little League Baseball for several years.
For over 40 years, Bill looked forward to time away at the family cottage on a lake in Maine, where he could relax and enjoy the view from the screened-in-porch. Bill loved the quiet time that Maine afforded him, the moderate temperatures and the dry summer air off the lake. Bill enjoyed cars, in particular a 1980s Corvette that he kept safe in the garage. He also loved his shih tzu dogs, most recently his beloved Abby who he would do anything for.
Bill was the beloved husband of 60 years to Kathryn (DeCoste) McManus. He was the devoted father of William T. McManus Jr. and his wife Audrey of Marlborough; Lisa C. Hunt of Derry, N.H.; Tanya M. Burrell of Virginia; Michael J. McManus of Saugus; Gary R. McManus and his late wife Doreen of Saugus and Robert J. McManus of Saugus. He was the dear brother of the late Jack McManus, Elaine McManus and Gladys Flaherty. He was the loving grandfather of David, Kristin, Sarah, Brian, Brittany, Heather, Kyle, Laura and Kathryn. He was the caring great-grandfather of Alaina, Julia, Ryan, Alexa, Lily and Violet. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Bill’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Nov. 27, and again on Saturday, Nov. 28 before leaving in procession to the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St., Melrose for his funeral Mass. Interment with U.S. Navy military honors at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Gifts in Bill’s memory may be made to MSPCA, 350 Huntington Ave., Boston MA 02130. For directions or online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
