by Frank Schroth
Here is the notice:
MANNING, Honorable M. Joseph A former 30 year member of the House of Representatives and a lifelong resident of Milton passed away peacefully April 14th. Beloved husband for 50 years of Audrey L. (Hawkins). Father of M. Joseph Manning, Jr. and his wife Maureen of Raynham. Devoted Grampy of Joey and Tommy Manning. Funeral Mass at St. Agatha Church Milton, Saturday morning at 10:30. Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave, MILTON, Friday 4-8 p.m. Burial Milton Cemetery. Joe served as a State Representative from 1966 to 1996 for the 7th Norfolk District in Milton and Randolph. He was a member of the Mass Legislators Assn, Mass Assessors Assn, Milton Town Meeting Member, former member of the Milton Board of Assessors, Milton Park Commission, a member of the Milton Yacht Club, American Legion Post #114, Randolph Elks, Milton Kiwanis, DAV and Amvets in Randolph. Marine Corp Veteran of WW II. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the American Legion Post #114 Milton, 123 Granite Ave, Milton, MA 02186 or to the Milton Kiwanis, P.O. Box 569, Milton, MA 02186. www.alfreddthomas.com
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I was very sad to hear of M Joseph Manning’s passing. Among his many other significant displays of service to his fellow man, such as serving as a U.S. Marine in World War II, State Representative, and the Board of Assessors, Joe was the longest serving Town Meeting Member in Milton (60+ years) and possibly in any city or town.
His resounding voice and measured words always swayed influence at town meeting and will be sorely missed. M. Joseph Manning was one of a kind and we were all greater for having known him.
We will have a moment of silence for Joe as we begin our Town Meeting on Monday May 4, 2015.
I am sure there are many who could share similar experiences, I can still remember Joe calling me to offer his assistance when I was first elected to the Milton School Committee. And he really meant it!
Brian Walsh
Moderator, Town of Milton
So sorry to hear about the passing of the great Joe Manning, a Milton legend.
M. Joseph Manning was one of my Dad’s closest friend and was like an uncle to my family. All of our childhood memories involve our time with Joe, Audrey, and Joey. In what my Dad would describe as “command performances,” our weekends were filled with holding those classic neon yellow and black Manning signs in the square or dropping his literature in the neighborhood of Randolph. That work, which Joe always reminded us was for “Better Government,” would be rewarded by a visit to Amvets in Randolph for the world’s best pizza!
Joe served his country and community honorably as a Marine and elected official, but he always had time for everyone he met. I’ll miss his warmth, generosity, and sturdy handshake that would always involve being pulled in close and seeing his genuine smile.
Rest in peace M. Joseph and say hello to my Dad.
Bill White, Jr.
I guess we could call today Milton Strong. You Milton guys rock. Such a wonderful collection of friends. Joe Manning would have been proud of you all.