1940 - 2020
Visitation
March 4, 20202PM to 6PM
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St. Chelmsford, MA 01863
Funeral
March 5, 202011am Funeral Home/ 12 Noon Church
St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 374 Stevens St. Lowell, MA 01851
Rev. Paul Francis Manning of Lowell, MA died Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Lowell General Hospital.
Born in Boston, MA on June 8, 1940, the son of the late Matthew F. and Mary T. (Nee) Manning, both of whom were Irish immigrants. He was a graduate of Boston College High School with the class of 1958, he also graduated from St. John’s Seminary graduating with the class of 1967. Rev. Manning was ordained June 7, 1967 by Cardinal Richard Cushing at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston. Fr. Manning ministry was mostly in the Lowell area with St. Peter’s and St. Margaret’s Churches, but included South Boston, Woburn and Concord as well. He also served as Chaplin for the Middlesex Prisons from 1978 to 1982. Fr. Manning worked tirelessly to ensure that the young people received a good education. He had a special affinity for the Hispanic community which drew him to study Spanish in Venezuela and Puerto Rico to be more effective in his ministry. He was the first Chaplain for the Retarded Adult Rehabilitation Association. Fr. Manning was well known for his compassion and visited countless people at nursing homes and hospitals. He devoted much time collecting clothing for the Lazarus House in Lawrence, MA. Fr. Manning had a special place in his heart for veterans, as he ministered numerous veterans at the Princeton House in Lowell.
He is survived by a brother, Dr. James M. Manning of Boston and countless people helped by his kindness.
Visiting hours Wed. 2 to 6 p.m. Funeral Thurs. at 11:00AM from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, with a funeral Mass at 12 Noon at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Lowell. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell. It being Fr. Manning’s wish, in lieu of flowers please make Memorials in his name to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
thomas m paskiewicz
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married my wife and myself aug 8 1971(almost 49 years ago) A great priest and person. Thomas M Paskiewicz and Nancy R (Moushegian) Paskiewicz,No Billerica Mass
Trish Gagnon
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Father Manning had a heart of gold and was always a wonderful friend to our family, especially to our Mom, Mary Ann Day. May he rest in peace.
Kathleen Pender-Phaneuf
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Father Manning married my husband and I in 1982.
He was there when I made my First Communion at Saint Margaret Church and all the Masses for SMS.
He was a great friend of my grandmother Grace Shaughnessy. He celebrated Mass at her home when she was unable to leave home.He was a wonderful priest who gave so much to people.
He helped the kids understand Mass so we all went to Mass.
He will be surely missed.
Kathleen Pender-Phaneuf
Rita Cerroni
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Fr. Manning was not only a great person, he was a good friend to our family. He officiated a renewal of vows with my parents at their 40th anniversary and was a great comfort to my brothers and I when my mom passed away 4 years ago. He will always be remembered with fondness.
Cathy Britton
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Rest In Peace Fr Manning you were a great man.
Thankyou for being such a good friend and for your.
Kindness to myself and my family especially when
My father was so sick. You will be missed?
CathyB
Kevin Souza
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Very nice Kath. Hope all is well.
Mark Walsh
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Fr Manning always took the high road.He taught us all the same, if only we can do it for one day as good as he did his entire life,the world would be a better place.He Christend both my Sons at Sacred Heart,1992,1995…Always made time in his busy life to be there for anybody.I will never forget him
Nancy
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Father Manning always did the masses when I went to church as a teenage. He made them quick om those hot summer Saturday nights We used to visit him also . RIP father Manning !
karen sullivan
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sory to hear about father manning he was good to my parents when they in the nursing home helen and jim sullivan
Nancy Harrington-Pearce
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Dr. Manning married me and my late husband 48 years ago. He was wonderful to my family. Before my late husband passed, we were married 33 years. Fr Manning’s advice was to include God in our marriage and always put each other first. We did.
Jane Furtado
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Father Manning was a great friend of our family! Our older sons were close to him! We lived near Callery Park and he and I and our youngest son would go walking in the morning! He officiated at our son Paul’s wedding! Truly sad how he was treated by our Church! We all believed in him as I am sure God is showing him now! RIP Fr Paul Manning
Diane Balas Pawlick
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Sad day to see this. I met Fr. Manning while in st Margarets School.He and Dr. Walsh were wonderful priests. Dr. Manning married my husband and I wish I had seen this I would have been there. Thanks for everything Dr. Manning.
William X Siopes
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Fr. Manning was always there when ever and where ever he was needed. He was a true priest and a true friend to so many. RIP Father.
Elaine (Clermont) Brunelle
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May you rest in perfect peace Fr. Manning. My family will be eternally grateful for your guidance and support. You touched many lives in the Flanagan housing project.
Bruce Townshend, retired Soldier.
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Father Manning, you were the standard by which I measured every priest I ever met in my life, and shall you be. You absolutely never sugarcoated anything and even enlightened a very young me growing up in Lowell to the sometimes awful history of the Roman Catholic church. I could have no higher respect for you. Rest in eternal Peace, Father, and I’ll see you in Fiddler’s Green.
Mike Maguire
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One of the finest people I have ever met. A friend to hundreds of families and generations of young people living in The Highlands. He was truly rare and gifted in his ability to connect with people.
Fr Manning made thousands of visitations and performed at many family functions and ceremonies up until the time of his passing. It was many a youth from the Highlands in the 70’s and 80’s that looked to him for wisdom and comfort through adulthood.
At a time when the Church was attempting to draw young people to the Catholic Faith it’s a shame they turned their back on the individual who was accomplishing that very task.
RIP Father Manning. Often imitated, never duplicated.
Mary Jo (Lyons) Chandonnet
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Such a wonderful man of God. Thank you from everyone’s lives you touched while on Earth.
Mary Geoffroy
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Fr. Manning, Thank You for everything for the past 46 + years. You have done so much for so many !
I don’t know how I would have made it when Joey was so sick, without your support. You gave me so much strength. We love you and will miss you . Thank You for for so much , ?????
Love , Mary
Kevin Souza
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Beautifully said Mary. Touching. I hope all is well.
Laurie Clark Fiore
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I will always have fond memories of Father Manning and attending mass at St. Margaret’s Church. May you rest in eternal peace.
Dan Murray
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I remember when he was first assigned to St Margarets in the 60’s. I was a student at St Margaret’s School. He was very inspirational to the youth of the parish. Very kind man.
Gary David
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A friend to all, from Highland Park, the Chelmsford Street Housing, to the entire city of Lowell.
Never met anyone I respected more!
Maryrose Murphy
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Father Manning was such a great person and priest. He was always available to answer any question or concern you might have. Very loving would make everything okay. RIP
Hanney Patricia
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RIP Father Manning, you were a wonderful friend to the altar boys and other children of the parish..My son cried when he heard how the church treated you…I will keep you in my prayers…you were a good man, sorry for the unfair pain you suffered mentally.
Grace Murphy-Maxfield
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Oh my God I have been out of the parish for quite sometime. However, he was wonderful to my Grand Mother when Fr. Sedone was not there. Why was your son crying?? I just need to know! to feel complete on these wonderful men that gave up their lives for us and God..
John Cody
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Not only do I remember Fr. Manning as a teenager,I also remembered he officiated at my Wedding. He will always have a special place in my heart.He was there for many people,including my Mother and my Brothers Pat,and Dennis.
Kathy Maille
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Rest peacefully Fr Manning. Truly a great man & definitely 1 of a kind
Kevin and Sheila Smyth
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Fr. Manning was a Holy and kind priest…may God grant him Eternal Rest.
Brian Maloney
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RIP Father…Good man…visited me in the hospital when I was ill…..I also remember him hearing numerous confesssions from me…AND HE STILL CARED ABOUT ME…..
James coyle
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Was always there as a friend never passed judgement on anyone he listened and cared about the young people he came in contact with especially growing up he and father walsh great person rest in peace
Linda LeBrun Sponholtz
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Fr. Manning had a profound impact on my teenage years. All my friends went to St. Margaret’s. I am not catholic. Fr. Manning accepted me to tag along with my friends at everything they attended; weekend masses, catechism, all CYO events, etc. I loved him and have never forgotten him. He accepted me not matter what. May you rest in peace Fr. Manning.
Maureen Molloy
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After my dad died, as a young teenager hanging around in Highland Park, he would often take a walk to check on me. I heard that he approached a boyfriend to make sure that he was treating me well. He and Father Walsh cared about the youth in the area and always went out of their way. Rest In Peace.
Patricia Charron Jussaume
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Fr. Manning, a man of integrity, kindness and compassion. He and Fr. Walsh were the dynamic duo at St Margaret’s when I was a student SMS. They were a positive presence in the lives of the youth of that parish. They brought us closer to Christ. They didn’t preach love, they lived it. May you rest finally in the arms of your Father in heaven. God Bless….you will be missed.
Mary Gail MacMaster Jaggers
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Father Manning was the most Christlike person I ever met. He was always there when needed, whether it be a death, a family crisis, or a just a shoulder to cry on. He was a man of humility and love whom I am sure is now enjoying his just reward for serving God’s people. You were respected, Father Paul, and you will be greatly missed.
ROSE MCDONOUGH
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Father Manning was a wonderful priest I knew and admired at St. Margarets church in Lowell…he was reveered by the teenagers back in the 70s at the park on Stevens Street. Many stayed in touch with him over the years and he was very consoling especially at Johnny Simards funeral for those in shock over his death. He always spoke kindly of everyone. He will be missed..Rest in Peace
Elizabeth Donnelly Sheehan
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Fr. Manning was the most compassionate, selfless person I ever met. From the time I was young, Fr. Manning was there to comfort the grieving, share in the joy, and help us make sense of the changing fortunes of life. By his actions we came to learn charity and understanding, as well as the importance of a good sense of humor. The amazing thing about Fr. Manning was, not only did he appear when my family needed him, he shepherded countless other families as well, tirelessly offering his forever parishoners the strength and guidance they needed. Fr. Manning was truly a holy man; an outstanding example of the most honorable Christian values. Thank you Fr. Manning for the comfort you gave and the lessons you taught us through your instruction and your example. You will truly be missed.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Maryellen Primeau LeRiche
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Rest In Peace Father Manning!! You were a wonderful priest and a such a caring friend to so many people in the Lowell Highlands !! You were family to so many!! I couldn’t have gotten through loosing my Dad without your love and support ! You were always there when we needed you! God truly gained the best angel to watch over all of us! We will never forget you!
Leslie Liakos
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Father Manning was a gift of joy to the parishioners of St. Margaret’s Parish in Lowell!He supported everyone, and welcomed all with love. His sermons at Mass brought the kids back to church, and the older members of the church reveled in his weekly messages encouraging all to take care of others. Father Manning was a great friend and mentor to my family, the Martin’s and the Cronin’s. He married us, he buried our loved ones with compassion and dignity, while consoling us, and he visited our parents when they were ill. May you rest in peace, Father Manning! You will always be remembered and loved!
Frank Lorenzo
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I was very saddened to hear of the loss of Fr. Manning. He was an important friend and mentor who helped guide me through my teenage years. Except for my parents, I don’t believe any other adult had a greater impact on my early life. I remember that my friends and I always wanted to find out which masses Fr. Manning was saying on the weekends because they were so quick. We appreciatively nicknamed him “Five Minute Manning”. But, I’ll tell you, Fr. Manning was one of the best speakers I ever heard, and I believe that even today. No matter how fast a mass was I got more out of his sermons and the message he preached than I got from anyone else before or since. He set a great example for all the young men at St. Margaret’s and I believe we are all better for knowing him. I know I am anyway. I will remember him fondly forever. Rest in Peace.
Sheila Wheeler
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Fr. Manning was at St. Margaret when I was in high school and the girls at Keith felt they got a lot out of all his masses. He could give a two sentence homily and get the point of all the readings across.
Diane Torpey
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Not enough words to express all that Fr. Manning did for anyone who asked. He was always there for my family. Good times and not so good. He was everything a priest should be. He leaves big boots to fill. Rest In Peace Father. I know you are enjoying Heaven!
Tara A McCarthy
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I spent 8 yrs at St. Margret’s and got to know Fr. Manning well he was always looking out for kids, he would stop often and watch us play baseball at Callary Park. The best thing was no matter the reason you could stop by the rectory or if he was walking you could ask him anything and he would give you a straight answer. The last time I saw Fr. Manning was this past summer in Aug, he kindly agreed to speak at my brother Eddie’s wake, he was funny and gentle and compassionate all these years later still the same. RIP Fr Manning say Hi to Eddie for me.
Judy (Gill) Patrick
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I remember when Fr. Manning came to
St Margaret’s parish. He married my husband and I November 26, 1977. May he
rest in peace.
Donna Klein Erdman
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A great man who understood people. He was there for my mom and our family throughout the difficulties of life. Rest in the peaceful embrace of Christ Fr. M.
Pam Grimes
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This saddens me. He was a wonderful man who actually gave lessons to my husband so he could become Catholic before he married me. Father Paul married us almost 51 years ago
Brian Stafford
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Seeing Frank Lorenzo’s posting prompted me to thank Fr. Manning for the many things he did for my brother Kevin and all of his friends.
He was a strong positive influence on their lives. God bless and rest in peace
Martha Sanford and Griffin Family
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Father Manning had an impact on our family and our Parish. He taught all through his care, concern and counseling for us. He taught us how to be catholic, caring individuals. He was present at good and difficult times. Father Manning set the standard for us on what an awesome priest is.
Lynda Peitzsch
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We loved having Father Manning say our Mass at St. Charles in Woburn. He was a wonderful and special priest. He would visit my mom in the nursing home whenever he was in the area. We are saddened to hear of his passing, he was truly a kind and generous man. Lynda & Bill Peitzsch
Colleen Torpey Alaoui
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My family has known and loved Fr. Manning for over 50 years. He married us, baptized some of our children and helped us in our times of grief over the loss of our loved ones. He often came to visit my mother, Barbara Torpey, and with our family at both my mother and fathers passing. He was a good man who touched the lives of so many with God’s love. He was humble, kind, caring and compassionate. For all the good he did for so many on this Earth, I am grateful. My family has been blessed by knowing him. He was a fine priest and also our friend. He was a man of God and now can see Him face to face. My family and I will miss you Fr. Manning. Love, Colleen
Sarah Powling
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Father Manning was a great family friend. He immediately came to be with us when my grandfather died, he married my parents, and he helped me decide to make my Confirmation. He will be greatly missed.
The Gil Family
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Our sincerest condolences to the Manning family. Fr. Manning married my husband and I. I have known him since I was 10 years old. He was always such an inspiration and a breath of fresh air for young kids getting involved in the faith. He was a bright light and he will always be remembered as an amazing human being. He will be missed.
Kathleen Torpey Ballos
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One of God’s very rare foot soldiers.
Steven S. Mojica
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Father Manning, I will miss your dearly. I thank you for all you did form me and believing in me that way you did. God is amazing by making you part of my life.
You will be missed!
Steven Mojica
Kim tardiff
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Dear father manning I just found out you had passed on to god. May you rest in peace and god bless you. I can’t say enough of how you touched so many lives including my whole family and my husbands steve friends and family. You will be sadly missed, bless your heart kim and steve tardiff.
Phyllis Eklund
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Father Manning is and was a wonderful man I can still picture him sitting in our kitchen with the family and talking and laughing with us he was like family he will be greatly missed but will always be in our heart I Love you Father Manning and I remember the last time we were together saying we’l All be together when we go to Heaven and I said to you. I can’t wait. I Love You Father the Eklund and Ward Family
Dickreale@verizon.net
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I grew up with Paul in Dorchester.
Nice guy.
Beardens
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My sister and I are sad to hear that Fr. Manning had passed away. We will always treasure his friendship and love and advice and help in tough times! Rest in peace Fr. M. Know we will always love you!