Manasha "Marty" Bilsey

Manasha “Marty” Bilsey, 72, of Worcester, a scholar, philosopher and civil right's activist, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation in Worcester after a brief battle with lung cancer. He is survived by a sister, Zelda Beatrice Bilsey Torna, currently residing in Israel; Christian Steinau of Worcester, MA; Dr. Andrew Fletcher of Dover-Foxcroft, ME and many good friends of many years. Manasha was born in West Brookfield, son of the late, Samuel and Frieda (Grosnick) Bilsey. A man of broad intellect, Manasha loved to share his knowledge, observations and predictions with others. He operated the well-known “Another Story, Used & Rare Books” in Worcester, for many years, before closing in 2003. He then re-enrolled at Clark University, having dropped out in 1965 to pursue activism, where he graduated cum laude in 2007. His store was full of histories, biographies, and classics and it was here, full of the smells of leather bound books, cigarettes, and coffee, that Marty met many friends whom he would hold dear til his final days. Manasha was known for his social and political activism, and was editor of the 1960’s underground newspaper, the "Worcester Punch”. He enjoyed cooking for guests, chess with friends, dabbling in the stock market, shopping for bargains, discussing politics, and sharing new and challenging ideas with anyone he met. Manasha died with great hope for our future and viewed the social and political challenges we face as strides toward an eventual shared humanity. Manasha requested that his life be remembered as it was lived: simply, and with friends sharing laughs and ideas over drinks and a good meal. A private memorial celebration is being planned for August 2017. Donations in memory of Manasha Bilsey may be made to the Worcester County Food Bank at 474 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or online at foodbank.org.