Henry Manuel Obituary

AUBURN - Henry 'Tom' Thomas Manuel, 91, of Standart Woods Apartments, Auburn, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, Thursday, March 29, 2012, at the Matthew House, surrounded by his loving family. 'Tom,' as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was born on June 18, 1920, in Gravesend, Kent, England, and had been an area resident for most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II having served in North Africa as a tank commander in the Lancer's Cavalry. Tom later enlisted in the British First Airborne, where he was wounded and taken prisoner of war during the Battle of Arnhem. Upon completion of his military service, Tom immigrated to the United States. Prior to his retirement, Tom was employed for many years at Singer/McQuay in Auburn. After retirement, Tom volunteered a great deal of his time. He read to the visually impaired, worked in the day surgery department of Auburn Community Hospital, and the physical therapy department at Finger Lakes Center for Living of the R.S.V.P. program. In 2010, Tom was the recipient of the Senior Citizen of the Year award. Tom also enjoyed exercising and was a long time member of the YMCA. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Mary Mancini Manuel, of Auburn; and a large blended family consisting of daughters, Amelia 'Babs' Ward and her husband, Jack, Lynda Young and her husband, Frank; two sons, Thomas Manuel and his wife, Janice, William Manuel and his wife, Debbie; three stepdaughters, Toni Fantasia and her husband, Ron, Sandra Pierce and her husband, Mike and Lisa (Tina) Cunliffe-West; a stepson, Jack Cunliffe and his wife, Sue Ann; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren, whom he dearly loved; a sister, Emily Manuel, of England; sister-in-law, Yolanda Scialdone; two very special friends, Eunice Greene and Betsy Van Norstrand; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Even with such a large family, Tom never forgot a birthday or special occasion. Calling hours are Sunday (today) 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pettigrass Funeral Home. Services are 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn, with the Rev. Louis Vasile, officiating. Entombment will be in St. Joseph's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom's memory to Matthew House, 43 Metcalf Drive, Auburn, NY 13021. 'Tom was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. His smile and whistle never failed to brighten up the room. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends who were fortunate enough to get to know him.' To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.