Obituary of Charles E. Manning

"Palmer-Charles E. Manning, 77, of Central St. passed away September 8, 2007 at UMASS Memorial Healthcare. Born September 1, 1930 in Boston, he was the son of the late John T. and Rose M. (Dobbyn) Manning. Charlie has lived in Palmer since 1954, previously residing in W.Warren. He retired from Cascade Diamond after almost 40 years of employment and previously worked at Wrights. He was a member and very active at St. Thomas Church, being a part of the Holy Name Society, an usher, and extra ordinary minister of the Eucharist. Charlie was a member of the Knights of Columbus 376 in Palmer and past grand Knight. He also was a 4th Degree Arch Bishop William’s member of the honor guard. He proudly served on the Palmer Fire Department and took much enjoyment in archery at the Nenameseck Sportsmen’s Club in Ware along with bowling and pool. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Ruth (Crowther), along with his children Amy Toelken of Palmer, Michael and his wife Janet of New Orleans and Richard and his wife Julie also of Palmer. Charlie also leaves five grandchildren Jeremy, Matthew, and Patrick Toelken, Benjamin and Thomas Manning along with brothers James M. of Holyoke and Warren of Chelsea, MA. A visitation with pictorial tribute will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home Thursday morning at 9:45 a.m. to proceed to a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. For those wishing, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. "