Mr. Albert Douglas "Doug" Manning

WHITESBORO - Mr. Albert Douglas “Doug” Manning, age 81, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 8, 1940, Doug was the son of the late Albert O. and Laura (Wilson) Manning. He received his primary and secondary education in Birmingham and then relocated to Brasher Falls, NY. He then came to Utica to earn his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Mohawk Valley Technical Institute. On September 24, 1960 at the altar of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Utica, he married the former Theresa R. “Terry” Graziano with whom he shared a wonderful life blessed with 61 years. They were a real team as they raised their family, traveled, and always enjoyed life, supporting each other through whatever came their way during the inevitable ups and downs of life. Doug was quickly assimilated into Terry’s extensive and extraordinarily gracious family whom he loved and was loved by — from the beginning. Doug worked in his profession as an Engineer for the General Electric Company in Hudson Falls, NY. He also held multiple positions at Chicago Pneumatic in Utica, and was employed at one time at the National Cash Register Company in Millsboro, Delaware, and the Snyder Bicycle Manufacturing Company in Little Falls. In 1976 Doug and Terry purchased Carlile Personnel Agency, and a franchise of Western Temporary Services now known locally as First Choice Staffing. Together, they ran the business with offices in Utica and Syracuse until they retired in 2007, never knowing that it would turn into a three-generation family concern when their daughters, followed by their grandson Jonathan Loomis assumed the responsibilities of their enterprise with unflinching determination. Aside from his working career, Doug pursued an avocation that brought him a great sense of accomplishment ~ his establishment of “The University of Santa Claus”, a venue for training volunteer Santas for charity organizations, and a venture that brought holiday cheer and good will from the early 1980’s through the late 1990’s. Doug also personally visited the Ronald McDonald House in Syracuse in the persona of Santa bringing hugs, little gifts, joy, and a warm glow of the Christmas season. For many years, Doug also gave up his family time at Thanksgiving to spend it greeting children at Union Station in Santa fashion during the “Christmas on Main Street” event. What a wonderful, energetic spirit he was blessed with! His leadership was also seen when he found time to serve as an active board member, past president, and secretary of the Ocean Club at Smugglers Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts for over 25 years. Smugglers Beach was a special place for family vacations and getaways with his dearest Terry, even until this past fall. An outdoorsman, he loved fishing, swimming, and camping with his family. A seasoned craftsman, he was adept at building Adirondack Guide Boats and worked with his son and grandsons constructing several of these beautiful wooden boats throughout the years. Additionally, he was an aficionado of rebuilding and restoring classic cars with the help of his son, David, memorably the 1969 Mustang. History was fascinating to him, and genealogy piqued his interest, not only researching the roots of his family, but the Graziano clan as well. An avid Alabama Crimson Tide Football fan, he was an armchair coach for all the games, and was kindly asked to seclude himself during the games. A man’s man, Doug especially looked forward to enjoying a good cigar and a glass of bourbon with “the guys” among whom he was recognized as the “ringleader”. Doug will be missed and remembered for his benevolence by so many as his good works spoke to his compassionate character. Doug’s manifested love of his family and friends was crystal clear and constant as the Northern Star. He loved the confusion and chaos of their large family parties, and homemade pasta night that was traditionally held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving which was magical and enchanting. As patriarch, he taught his children how to love unconditionally, to know the virtues of loyalty, integrity, and honest business practices. He had the energy to be the first to step in and resolve a conflict with a resolution. He was a good listener and from his wisdom he gave sage, sound advice. He was most generous on all levels, especially in his loving opinions and paternal guidance. As a Papa or Grandpa, his focus shifted to his grandkids and he became even more magical as he gave special attention to every phase of their lives. It was a role that kept him young as he concentrated on their wellbeing and marveled at these young iterations of himself growing to wonderful adults. His great-grandchildren were the delight of his heart and he was just as enthusiastic in having fun with them and bestowing “Big Bear Hugs” that they will never forget. Doug is survived by his wife and life partner, Terry; his children and their loves, Lynn and Paul Loomis, David and Cheryl Manning, and Michele and Kevin Williams; grandchildren Paul “PJ” and Jennifer Loomis, Matthew and Mary Loomis, Jonathan and Sarah Loomis, Samantha Washburn, and Jamie Manning; and great-grandchildren, Dade Eric Loomis, Raylan Cole Loomis, and Tara Rose Loomis, and sister-in-law, Shirlee Graziano. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and the many treasured friendships he embraced throughout his life, too many to mention, …but all well remembered. He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald W. Manning, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Serafino “Scabby” and Rose (Gaeta) Graziano; and in-laws, Vincent Graziano, Michael Graziano, and Joseph Graziano. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Timothy LaFont, a wonderful primary care physician; Dr. Manzurul A. Sikder and his staff who treated Doug with such kindness and embraced him with support and raised his spirits; and Dr. Arul Kannan for his outstanding bedside manner and attentive heart. The family will honor and commemorate Doug’s life at a private time. Memorial contributions in Doug’s memory may be directed to The House of the Good Shepherd online at https://www.hgs-utica.com, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society online at https://www.lls.org, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org, or the Ronald McDonald House Charity of Central NY online at https://www.rmhc.org.

Mr. Albert Douglas "Doug" Manning

August 8, 1940 - November 18, 2021