John A. Manning

Former City of Washington Fire Chief and former city councilman Jack Manning passed away September 28, 2008, in the Donnell House, following a brief illness. He was born July 10, 1928, a son of Nellie Manning and grandson of Michael Manning and Susan Manning. He served with the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge. In 1959, he joined the City of Washington Fire Department and rose through the ranks, serving as department mechanic, platoon captain, and deputy chief. He retired in 1979 and served two terms as a member of Washington City Council before returning to the fire department and serving as chief until his retirement. Mr. Manning was a devoted public servant who spent more than 40 years serving the community he loved. Mr. Manning was heavily involved in Democratic politics in Washington County, actively campaigning for his friends, former county commissioner and judge, David Gilmore, former county commissioner and congressman, Frank Mascara, and Washington County treasurer, Francis King. He also lent support to races for Washington City Council and Mayor and was once a candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representative. In his younger years, Mr. Manning was an avid hunter and trap shooter and raised beagle hunting dogs. He was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish and belonged to Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Keystone Club. On April 9, 1950, he married the former Wilma Reese of Bentleyville, who survives. In addition to his wife, Mr. Manning is survived by four children, John A. (Penny) Manning of Canonsburg, Mary Ellen Manning of South Strabane Township, Sid (Lisa) Manning of Washington and Joe (Lynn) Manning of Washington; four beloved grandchildren, John Interval of Lincoln, Nebraska, Maggie Manning, Caitlin Manning and Lauren Manning; an uncle Alex (Nela) Manning; and several close cousins. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 2nd, with Father William Feeney and Father John Bauer as celebrants. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Donnell House, Hospice Care of the Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington PA 15301; or to City of Washington Fire Department, 45 West Wheeling Street, Washington PA 15301.