John Richard Manners

John R. Manners of Farmington, CT, and recently of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on April 25, 2014 after a long and productive life. John, called “Jack”, was born in Trenton, NJ on November 16, 1927 to the late John L. and Ruth (Fisher) Manners.

Growing up as a boy in Frenchtown, NJ during World War II, Jack contributed to the war effort by producing detailed hand-carved models of German fighter aircraft, which the U.S. Army Air Force used to train pilots in aircraft recognition. This early foray into woodcarving marked what would become a lifelong hobby.

After graduating from Columbia University in New York with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Jack embarked on a long career with General Electric Company (now GE). He also married his partner for life, the former Margaret “Peg” Johnston, on June 20, 1953, and they were inseparable for the next nearly 61 years. Jack and Peg traveled the world during their years together, and some of their more exotic destinations included Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. They also dedicated their love and energy to raising three sons, David, John W. and Robert, and a daughter, Elizabeth.

While living in Pittsfield and Richmond, MA, and working for GE, Jack was very active in the Boy Scouts of America. His contributions were so significant that the Western Massachusetts Council of the BSA recognized him with the Silver Beaver Award, the BSA’s highest. Jack also was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow and was very proud to see all three of his sons achieve Eagle Scout rank.

During most of his nearly 40 years with GE, Jack worked closely with the U.S. Navy. He was a Member of the U.S. Naval Institute and also served for many years as a Blue and Gold Officer, helping to guide prospective candidates for admission to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Jack and Peg are especially fondly remembered by the USNA Class of 1976, 16 ^th Company.

In addition to his devoted wife Peg, of Farmington, Jack is survived by: David and Anne Manners of North Potomac, MD, John W. and Jill Manners of Canton, CT, and David and Elizabeth Downs of Canton, CT. Son Robert sadly predeceased his parents and is sorely missed. Grandchildren are numerous and include Nicholas Manners, Catherine Manners Bucolo, Elizabeth Anne Manners, Alexander Manners, Christopher Manners and Sean Manners (of David and Anne); Sara Manners, Steven Manners and Brian McLellan (of John W. and Jill); and Matthew Downs and Christopher Downs (of David and Elizabeth). Last but not least, Jack and Peg celebrated the December 2012 arrival of great-granddaughter Diem Catherine Bucolo, who visited them last summer.

The family plans to hold a private memorial service. They will remember Jack for his biting wit, his love of classical music, his taste for fine single malts, and his enduring example as a good man and a great father.

Condolences may be sent to the Manners family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com