William (Bill) Francis Manley

William (Bill) Francis Manley, 71, of Scranton, passed away peacefully on Sunday at the Inpatient Unit of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. Since being diagnosed with stage IV metastatic colon cancer in November, 2016, Bill, with a relentlessly steadfast spirit, fought the disease to his very last day. His tenacity and quiet grace in the face of an unrelenting illness will forever inspire his family and those who were fortunate and blessed to know him.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Teresa (Buchinski). They were inseparable for 42 years. She stayed by her husband’s side through every step of his courageous journey and will love and cherish their talks, their walks down memory lane, and the songs they sang together. Above all, the privilege of being his wife will sustain her for the remainder of her life. Their love for one another will endure for eternity.

Born October 8, 1952, in Scranton, son of the late John J. and Mary R. Manley, he was a faithful parishioner of the former Holy Family Parish, Scranton, before its closing and linkage with the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton. He was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School and worked at Central Warehouse Sales, Inc., Scranton for over 40 years before being employed by Albright Precision, Inc., Moosic until the time of his retirement.

Bill had a special place in his heart for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He, along with his wife and son, vacationed there frequently. They most recently traveled to Myrtle Beach for the 18th time this past September. It was a trip of special significance for him since he knew it would be the final time he would experience the warm ocean air and quiet time with his family. Bill forever imbued a quiet countenance. He was perfectly content tinkering with and building model classic cars, airplanes, and ships. He would frequently be found sitting in his recliner, “Joshua”, scratching off a Crossword or Bingo Pennsylvania Lottery Ticket. He enjoyed his trips to the casino, especially Atlantic City, and more recently, Mount Airy. His extremely dry Irish wit and sense of humor will be remembered by those closest to him. His stories were those of legend. We will never know what was true and what he crafted for the occasion at hand and his audience that was present. His stories would forever change but one thing would remain the same: the raucous laughter and belly laughs which followed. Above all, the quiet time spent simply talking about the day’s events and being present with his wife and son meant the world to him. Although his humble nature would never allow him to admit it, those that knew him were better off having experienced his presence and gentle spirit. 

Surviving, in addition to his wife, is his son, William John.

He was preceded in death by his half-sister, Beverly Horitsick.

The family extends their gratitude to Dr. William Heim, Charles Lubash, PA-C, Dr. Padmaja Bojanapally, and the nurses and staff of Hematology and Oncology Associates of NEPA. In addition, they thank Dr. Thomas Churilla, Dr. Kishore Kumar, and the nurses of Geisinger Community Medical Center. Finally, the family extends their most heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. You are truly special individuals who will forever be remembered for filling Bill’s final days with a special grace and dignity.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, with the Reverend Monsignor Dale R. Rupert, Senior Priest and Pastor Emeritus of the Cathedral Parish, as the principal celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday at the Cathedral. The interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.