Canton Obituary: Paul F. Manning, 74

Paul Francis Manning, 74, of Tower Hill in Canton, formerly of Lakewood, California and Boston, died Sept. 6 in Boston surrounded by his loving family, according to CurrentObituary.com.

Manning was born March 26, 1938 in Boston, the son of Boston Fire Lieutenant John Patrick Manning and Mary (Tapp) Manning, a special education teacher.

He grew up on Fenwood Road in the Mission Hill section of Roxbury. A 1955 graduate of Mission Church High School, Paul served as an altar boy at Mission Church, and at Mission High, he was a member of the Social Club. Paul also served on the staff of the "Echolph," the school newspaper, and was awarded a prize for his writing. Paul graduated from Boston College in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in finance.

He served honorably in the United States Army from 1959 to 1966, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant, Artillery Division. Paul was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, and completed survival training in Alaska. A devoted son, after his father's death, Paul moved with his mother to Long Beach, California, later settling in Lakewood.

For many years, Paul worked as a purchasing manager for McDonnell Douglas, which later became Boeing. He oversaw procurement of aircraft components for their fleet of airplanes."He was an avid golfer and won many tournaments during his time at McDonnell Douglas. He enjoyed vacationing in Palm Springs and Las Vegas. Paul was the primary caregiver for his mother for many years. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.

A beloved uncle, Paul served as family historian, his colorful stories helped his nieces and nephews better-know their grandfather and Irish great-grandparents. He loved telling a childhood story about pulling the neighborhood fire alarm on a dare, to the dismay of his father, a Boston Fire Department Alarm Operator.

Many stories included his cat, Chubby, who got steak treats from his father. He was the beloved brother of the late Thomas Richard Manning of West Roxbury and Joan Gladman of Mission Hills, California. Paul was very close to his late brother Tom and his family, and returned to Boston in December 2010 to be near them. His devoted sister-in-law, Nancy Manning, and nieces and nephews set up a lovely apartment for him at Standish Village.

Paul was very close to his late brother, Tom, and his family, and decided to return to Boston in December 2010 to be closer to them. His devoted sister-in-law, Nancy Manning of West Roxbury, and his nieces and nephews set up a lovely apartment for him at Standish Village in Dorchester Lower Mills, where was fondly known as the "greeter" as he enthusiastically greeted all who visited.

As his health declined, in November 2011, he moved to Tower Hill in Canton, and enjoyed participating in activities there. The staff always said how much they enjoyed Paul, who was appreciative of the care he received. Paul maintained a positive attitude throughout numerous hospitalizations, and Nancy and her children visited often to offer their loving support. His devoted niece, Mary Ellen Manning, of Wellfleet served as his health care advocate and ensured he received excellent care. In addition to his sister-in-law and niece, he leaves nephews James Manning of Las Vegas, John P. Manning of Dedham, Richard Manning of West Roxbury, and nieces, Jean Ann Manning of West Roxbury, and Jennifer Manning of Dedham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mission Church on Monday Sept. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. He will be buried across from his beloved brother, Tom, at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury. For more information, visit www.lawlerfuneralhome.com