Obituary of Richard E. Manville

Richard Walter Manville, 88, of Baldwinsville, died Thursday, January 1, 2015, at St. Joseph's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born and raised in in Troy, NY. He served in the Army Air Force at the end of World War II and then attended Syracuse University on the GI bill. After graduating from S.U. with a journalism degree, Dick had plans to become a sports writer and move to California, but that was not to be his fate. Dick's "short term" job selling advertisements for The Brown Newspaper in Baldwinsville turned into a long and successful career as publisher of three community newspapers, The Baldwinsville Messenger, The North-Syracuse Star News and The Liverpool-Salina Review. Dick purchased The Brown Newspapers from Donald Brown in 1966 and ran the business until he retired in 1992, selling to Eagle Newspapers. Dick met the love of his life, Carol ("Bunny) Heikkila, in his early days selling ads and they married in 1955. Dick and Carol would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this February. Dick loved his family as much as his business, helping Carol raise five children, and spending many family vacations at their home away from home on Cape Cod. Dick always made time for volunteering and was a valued member of many community boards. Dick was a loyal supporter of the YMCA of Greater Syracuse and North Area YMCA, serving in many capacities over the years. Dick was a dedicated fundraiser for a new Baldwinsville YMCA and he was delighted to participate in the ground-breaking ceremony in 2014. Dick was an active volunteer with the Syracuse Home Association, serving as board president for many years. He was especially proud of the success of McHarrie Towne, an independent senior living community that he helped plan as a Syracuse Home board member. Dick and Carol were among the first people to move into McHarrie Towne when housing units became available in 1996. Other community organizations benefiting from Dick’s volunteer service include the Onondaga County Community Development Division, Onondaga Housing Development Fund, Northwest Human Services Council, Vera House North Advisory Committee, Canton Woods Senior Center, and Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce. Dick was named the Chamber's "Man of the Year" in 1995. Dick was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Dick's family extends an extra special thank you to Dr. Marvasti and all of the caring nurses and staff at St. Joseph's Hospital, who became part of the family these past few months. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Edna and Foster Manville, and brothers Arnold and Wayne Manville. In addition to Carol, Dick is survived by his children Richard Jr. of Camillus, Tracy (Mark) Hopkins of Baldwinsville, Susan (David) Morgan of North Kingstown, RI, Jill (Raymond) Lawlor of Baldwinsville, and Barbara (Michael) Sheehan of Wayne, PA; grandchildren, Jonathan(Mary) Hopkins, Katherine (Jon) House, Stephen Hopkins, Erin Lawlor, Christian Lawlor, Will Sheehan, Emma Sheehan, and Matthew Morgan; one sister, Sharon (Laurence) Beaudoin of Troy; two nieces, Bethany (Peter) Armstrong and Allison (Mark) Metz; and one nephew, Ryan (Jennifer) Manville. Calling hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2015, at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. A funeral service will be at 11 a. m. Monday, January 5, 2015, at St. Mark's Church, 2840 Cold springs Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027. Contributions in Dick's memory may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church; the Northwest Family YMCA, 340 Montgomery St., Syracuse, NY 13202 (www.nwfy.org); or McHarrie Life Foundation, 7740 Meigs Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027.