David William Manning Jr., 86, of Atkinson, N.H. and formerly of Methuen, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 11, surrounded by his family.
Born in Lawrence, he was the son of the late David W. and Veronica (Collopy) Manning of Lowell and was a graduate of Lowell High School and Merrimack College. He served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War and retired from AT&T International in North Andover and Donegal, Ireland after 39 years of service to the company.
Manning and the love of his life, Peggy Ann, celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in May. The love they shared for each other was evident to all who knew them. His first priority was always his family. Manning was diligent in attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and received great joy in their many achievements. He loved spending weekends at the family’s vacation home that he built in Bradford, N.H. and looked forward to the annual family reunion in Humarock each September. He treasured his time with his family and made sure they all knew the importance of family and being there for each other. Aside from his strong love of his family, Manning will be especially remembered for his sharp mind, quick wit, sense of adventure and occasional tall tale.
Manning is survived by his loving wife Margaret (Furey) Manning of Atkinson, N.H., children Colleen Sheehan of Methuen, Karen Sapienza of Methuen, Mary Beth Smith of Lowell, Gail Leonardo and husband Tony of West Roxbury and David W. Manning, III and wife Kellee of Hooksett, N.H., grandchildren Jennifer, Sean, Ashley, Brandon, Lauren, Shannon, Corey, Christopher, Ryan, Erin and Jake and great-granddaughters Sienna and Madison. He was predeceased by his daughter Cheryl Cooney and sons-in-law Joseph Sapienza, Brian Sheehan and Stephen Smith.
Relatives and friends may join his family to celebrate his life on Friday, Nov. 16 for a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anne Parish, 26 Emerson Ave., Hampstead, NH at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Manning’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 374, Lawrence, MA 01842. Arrangements are by Haverhill’s Driscoll Funeral Home.