Charles McManus

Charles E. McManus, 72, of Worcester, died peacefully Friday, November 18, 2011 at Brigham and Women's Hospital with his family at his side. Charlie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Beth DeBonis McManus. He is also survived by a son, Andrew C. McManus and his wife Cheryl of Youngsville, NC; three daughters, Jean L. McManus and her sons Jonathan C. Bullis and Matthew P. Bullis, Sheila McManus, Barbara McManus and her husband John D. Walsh and their daughter Fiona Walsh, all of Worcester; a brother, Barry McManus and his wife Judith Laino of South Carolina; a sister, Joan Hittner and her husband Leon of California; a brother-in-law, George DeBonis and his wife Lorraine of Lunenburg; an aunt, Lena Saunders of Fitchburg; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Charlie was born in Fitchburg on April 29, 1939. His parents were the late Charles E. and Josephine (Cefalo) McManus. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg and attended St. Michael's College in Burlington, VT. Charlie received his BA in Social Studies from Assumption College in Worcester and a M.Ed. in Guidance from Fitchburg State College. He taught at St Anthony Elementary School and at St. Bernard Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg in the 1960s and 1970s. Charlie also taught adult education courses in Fitchburg during this time. In 1977, he was promoted to the position of Headmaster of Holy Name Central Catholic High School in Worcester. In 1986, he was appointed the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Worcester. As superintendent, Charlie was part of a team that founded the Adopt-A-Student Program for the Diocese of Worcester. He was the Founding Chairman and continued as Chairman for ten years of Parents Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE). Charlie retired as superintendent in 2004. Upon retirement, Charlie continued in the education field as a consultant for the Catholic Schools Office and for the FACTS Tuition Management Company of Lincoln, Nebraska. Throughout his life, he was very active in civic and community organizations. He was a member of the Finance Committee of Our Lady of Providence Parish and volunteered his time to the parish. After his retirement, Charlie volunteered at the Catholic Schools Office in Worcester. Charlie was involved with many educational organizations, including the Guild of St. Agnes, Venerini Academy, Julie Country Day School, St. Peter Central Catholic Elementary School Advisory Board, and Gilrein Scholarship Program. He also was a member of multiple professional organizations, including CACE, MIAA, NASSP, NECACE, PACT, and the Interreligious Forum of Worcester. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 99 in Fitchburg. He was a Eucharistic minister. Charlie loved to travel with his wife Beth. He also took many vacation trips with friends and family. He especially enjoyed spending time at his home in Falmouth with his children, grandchildren, and friends. For over twenty years, Charlie participated in a Friday night card game. His other interests were golfing, walking, reading, cooking, and watching sports. Calling hours are Friday, November 25 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be celebrated Saturday, November 26 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Providence Parish at St Bernard's Church, 228 Lincoln St., Worcester. Burial will be held on Monday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Fitchburg, MA. Memorial contributions may be made in Charlie's name to Adopt-A-Student Program, care of the Catholic Schools Office, 49 Elm St., Worcester 01609 or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of G.I. Oncology, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445.