Leonard Reuben Manning

The season has come to a close for “the slim blond flash.”

On Friday, September 3rd, Leonard Reuben Manning passed away quietly in his home.  The “quiet” part seems out of keeping with his nature; Lennie was a vigorous man, almost a force of nature, known for his enthusiasm, sense of adventure, and occasional mischief (if you’ve never seen him grin, then you really missed out).

Len’s energies often found an outlet on the athletic field, even long after most men had hung up their cleats. He was as proud of his exploits in Senior League Softball as in his many varsity letters in high school, and rightfully so. More important to him by far, however, were his opportunities to share his time and knowledge with the next generations of athletes in the family.  “Captain” particularly treasured his grandchildren: Eli, Abigail, Luke, Benjamin, and Isla.

Len’s calling was to the airlines, and he loved flying. He brought an exacting discipline to his job as a pilot, knowing how much was at stake—and that dedication served as an inspiration to his colleagues and to others.  A friend once admiringly called him “the perfect combination of man and machine,” and if you ever saw him back up a hitch-mounted trailer with speed and precision, you would understand.

Known to some as “Butch,” he also had a true knack for making friends everywhere, from all walks of life.  It just seemed to happen, probably because he treated everyone with genuine warmth, regard, and respect.  He was the most heartfelt man I ever knew, and other people could sense that, too.

Of course, family came first.  Lennie was fortunate enough to (eventually) marry his prom date, and to spend more than 60 years being a loving partner to his equally loving and beautiful wife, Linda Viner Manning.  And he was also, every day, the best father a boy could ask for, raising three of them:  Luke, Rafe and Nathaniel “Deac” Manning.

Lennie is survived by his son, Rafe and wife Kaylee Manning, and Nathaniel (“Deac”) Manning and his partner Zara Airapetian.  Lennie will also be sorely missed by his sisters Carol Correard and Audrey and husband Gregg Dodds; as well as sisters-in-law Nancy Manning and Miriam Magnuson and brother-in-law Edward Mathieu.  

He was predeceased by his sister Natalie Mezzomo, brothers Nathaniel (“Sonny”) Manning and Thomas Manning; brothers-in-law Peter Mezzomo, Ron Correard, Bill Berry, and Ross Magnuson; sisters-in-law Jeanne Berry and Marge Mathieu; and his precious five year old son, Luke.

We hope you will join us for a graveside tribute to Lennie on September 25th, 11:00 AM at Pautipaug Cemetery in Franklin, CT.

I love you, Dad.  Everything that is good and right about being a man, I learned from you. 

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