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Longtime city fire chief, councilman Jack Manning dies
By Amanda Gillooly , Staff writer
agillooly@observer-reporter.com
Washington firefighters could set their watches by Jack Manning. Even after his second retirement from the department in 2004, the guys knew the former chief would pull in close to 2 p.m. each day, climb the stairs to make a pot of coffee and then sit down to chat.
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"He would be screaming and yelling and pounding the table with his fists, and then a minute later he would be laughing right along with you," he said with a somber laugh.
Manning died Sunday, September 28, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, following a brief illness.
He was born July 10, 1928, a son of Nellie Manning and grandson of Michael and Susan Manning.
On April 9, 1950, he married the former Wilma Reese of Bentleyville. In addition to his wife, 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, Neb., Maggie Manning, Caitlin Manning and Lauren Manning; an uncle, Alex (Nela) Manning; and several close cousins.
He served with the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean conflict and was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge.
At the city fire department Sunday, members already had erected a memorial to their longtime leader. A black-and-white picture of the man sits on an easel near a board chronicling his time there.
Manning joined Washington Fire Department in 1959 and rose through the ranks, serving as its mechanic, platoon captain and deputy chief. He retired in January 1980, only to return in 1989, serving as chief until his second retirement in 2004.
Nick Blumer said it didn't matter that Manning was retired. When he arrived at the station, everyone still referred to him as "chief."
"The fire service was in his blood," he said.
And so was politics. Manning served two terms as a Washington city councilman and was heavily involved in Democratic politics in the county. Having lent his support to races for Washington City Council and mayor, Manning was once a candidate for the state House of Representatives.
In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and trap shooter who raised beagle hunting dogs. A lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish, he also belonged to Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Keystone Club.
Manning helped campaign for many of his friends, including former county commissioner and judge David Gilmore, former county commissioner and congressman Frank Mascara and King.
He first helped campaign for King when he ran for city controller. In fact, Manning is the one who talked him into running in the first place.
"Jack convinced me to put my name on the ballot," he said. "I think he worked just as hard to get me elected as he did to get himself elected."
It wasn't just city politics that enamored him. It was the city itself. He spent more than 40 years serving the community he loved.
Mayor Sonny Spossey said Manning will be remembered not only for his public service but for his love for the city he grew up in and knew intimately.
But just as much as he loved the city and its history, he loved the people, too.
"Jack was one who really believed in helping the people, and I mean that," King said. "If he believed in something, he fought to make sure it was done and done properly."
And no matter what hat he wore - that of family man, fireman or city councilman - he was always a gentleman.
"He always had his coat and tie on when he came to City Hall. And I'd see him tipping his hat to ladies," King said. "He was just a wonderful man."
Friends of Manning will be received from 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 at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 2, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with the Rev. William Feeney and the Rev. 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 Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Donations also may be made to Washington Fire Department, 45 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
