NORWICH – Bruce Raymond Manley, of Norwich, born Jan. 11, 1934, the son of Robert and Nellie Manley, left us to be with his Lord on April 24, 2012.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan A. Smith Manley; their four children, Debby Branham (Bruce), Norwich, Martin Manley (Kathy Gunter), Raleigh, NC, Kevin Manley, Binghamton, and Holly Manley, Norwich; four grandchildren: Joshua M. Manley (Maria), New Hampshire, Drew R. Palmer (Roberta Caballero), Norwich, Jordan C. Manley, NC, and Travis J. Manley, Guilford. Bruce is also survived by two siblings, Patricia Ryan, Norwich, and Rev. Don Manley (Anne), Oxford, FL; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Donna Seaman, Norwich, David Smith, Mt. Upton, Jane Sanford (James), Plymouth; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bruce was predeceased by his twin daughter, Lisa Ann Manley; his parents, Robert and Nellie Manley; two brothers-in-law, Richard Ryan and Richard Seaman; one grandson, Zachary Palmer.
Bruce graduated from Norwich High School, Class of 1951, where he was a pre-modern area champion in wrestling for two years. Prior to beginning his 45-year career with Victory Markets, Bruce’s first job was as a bagboy for Sonny Spano.
1956 was a special year for Bruce as he became a store manager for Victory Markets in New Berlin and, more importantly, on October 20, Bruce married the love of his life, Joan A. Smith at the Holmesville Baptist Church. The ceremony was performed by Pastor Don Franklin. Bruce went on to manage several Victory stores throughout the area, including Sherburne, Sidney, Unadilla, Bainbridge, and Greene. In the late ‘70’s, he became the night supervisor for Victory’s warehouse on Borden Ave. in Norwich. Bruce retired from Victory after 45 years with the company. But Bruce wasn’t one to sit idle, and went to work for Red Barrel of Norwich for a short time, before finally deciding it was time to rest.
Bruce enjoyed helping the cub scouts in his spare time, and going camping with them. He was at one time an avid collector of sports cards, coins, and comic books. He and Joan enjoyed watching the birds flock to their feeders. Bruce liked to bowl, especially with Joan, and was on a number of area leagues. He was a member of the Holmesville Baptist Church. He was known by everyone for his sense of humor and was always ready with a new joke to share. There will be a huge void in the lives of those who loved Bruce, and he will be deeply missed.
Funeral services for Bruce will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Romeyn Kipp, pastor of the Holmesville Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Friday from 5-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation “in memory of Bruce R. Manley” to the Alzheimer’s Association, Suite 2, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, NY 13326; to the American Heart Assoc., Hearts Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220; or to the Holmesville Baptist Church, Rt. 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.