William J. McManus Jr., 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Longmeadow, MA on Monday, September 17th, 2012. Bill was recently predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Clare A. McManus. He was also predeceased by his eldest son William J. McManus III. Bill was born July 7, 1924 in Springfield, MA, son of the late William J. and Mary (Doherty) McManus. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey McManus, of West Springfield, MA, Susan Fairchild of Jupiter, FL, Martha O’Brien and her husband John of Suffield, CT and David McManus of Granby, CT. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Lauren Fairchild, Michaela McManus, Patrick and Spencer O’Brien and Colin and Kelly McManus. Bill also leaves many nieces and nephews, whom he loved.
Bill was a graduate of Classical High School in Springfield, MA and Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, class of 1946. Bill served his country with active service in the U.S. Navy from1943-1946. He then went to work for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company retiring as Director of Group Sales in 1981 after a 30-year career. Bill and Clare began raising their family in Springfield until moving to Longmeadow where they resided for 50 years.
Bill loved spending time and exchanging stories with family and friends. He enjoyed summer trips to the Cape and admired old classic cars. Bill had a wonderful sense of humor and at 5 o’clock he was always ready for the cocktail hour and a good laugh before dinner.
Burial will be private at the request of the family. A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Mary’s Church, Longmeadow, Friday, September 28th at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s name to Saint Mary’s Church to benefit the parish’s community outreach programs. The family extends very special thanks to Ana Jarosz, loving caregiver to Bill and Clare.
Heritage Funeral Home has been entrusted with Bill's arrangements.

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