William Manus

After a very long and healthy life, William Manus, 99, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, after a short illness. Born September 28, 1925 in New York City, he spent his childhood in both New York City and Miami, FL. He served in the military as a lieutenant in the Army in the immediate aftermath of World War II, working on civil engineering projects in Japan and other locations. He attended Penn State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1950. Throughout his professional career, William (known as Bill) was accomplished in industrial sales and management. Starting in 1950-1969 he worked for ARCO (then Atlantic Richfield) in Philadelphia as an export manager, then in similar roles for Bareco and Boler Petroleum, where he retired from in 1990. Bill loved to travel and did so extensively throughout his life. As part of his job with Atlantic, he traveled many times to South America, becoming conversant in Spanish, and forming close ties with the people and the culture there. He had also enjoyed a tour of Europe in 1952, which launched a lifelong interest in those cultures and many more trips overseas, including to major cities in western and eastern Europe, Russia, Hawaii, and family road trips across the country in a '64 Chevy Impala and later, a Plymouth Fury. Bill was a devoted husband and father for many years. He met the love of his life, Marilyn, in 1954, and they were married at the Wayne (PA) Presbyterian Church in November, 1956. They had three children, Susan, Elizabeth, and Joanne (deceased in 1961). Starting in 1960, the family spent many happy years at their home in Berwyn, PA. In 2008, wanting an easier lifestyle, William and Marilyn moved to a condo in Kimberton, PA, then moved to the senior community of Shannondell in 2020. Bill had quite a varied set of interests. He was an avid sports fan, especially Penn State football and the various Philadelphia teams. He also closely followed his family's interest and involvement with music and the arts, and for many years he and his wife attended performances together by the Pennsylvania Ballet. He also loved good food, was a good cook himself, and, once he retired, did most of the cooking for himself and his wife. Another big interest was cars, and he was always ready with sound advice on maintenance and car choices. And, he was very attached to his last car - a small BMW sedan. He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 68 years; daughters Susan and Elizabeth; nephews Bill, Rick, Tom, and George, and niece Barbara. Bill is remembered fondly by all who knew him as an intelligent, helpful, loving and spirited man, with seemingly boundless energy, who was also blessed with a great sense of humor. And, a very long, healthy and happy life. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 E Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087, on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11 AM. Friends will be received from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at Wayne Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at 2:30 PM in the Washington Memorial Chapel Churchyard, 2000 Valley Forge Park Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

William Manus

September 28, 1925 - August 1, 2025