Obituary of Richard A. Manley

Richard “Dick” Addison Manley

January 22, 1933 – November 12, 2018

Croton on Hudson, Sugar Loaf & Highland Mills, NY

We are sad to share that Richard “Dick” Manley, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2018. He was a resident at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, part of the Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, NJ. Dick was born in Chicago, IL to Addison Manley and Olga Strasden. While serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Air Force 1955 -1957, Dick married Joanne Heppes Manley in 1957. They were a good team, supporting each other as they pursued advanced educational degrees, succeeded in various careers, were active in the community, and raised 4 daughters.

Dick was proud of his advanced degrees, including being an engineering graduate of California Institute of Technology, and earning Master’s Degrees in Computers and Education. Dick worked on designing cars for Ford Motor Company; was a college professor; sailing instructor; builder of wooden sailboats, folk dulcimers and wooden kazoos. An avid sailor and environmentalist, Dick loved his beloved Hudson River. He raced sailboats for years, got involved with the Hudson River Clearwater Organization, becoming one of the first certified captains for the Sloop Clearwater. Dick developed his natural talent as a folk singer, singing with area folk singers, including Pete Seeger and the Hudson River Sloop Singers. He volunteered with many organizations to clean up and preserve the Hudson River. His love of music and education was passed on to his children and grandchildren. Dick eagerly supported area music groups, attending many concerts until very recently.

Dick and Joanne were a large part of the success of Sugar Loaf Craft Village in the 1970’s. Moving there from Croton-on-Hudson, they were founding members of the Sugar Loaf Community Foundation and Sugar Loaf Craft Guild. They operated retail shops in the crafts village for decades- influencing many to create beautiful original crafts. They retired to Highland Mills, NY where Dick lived until recently. Joanne predeceased Dick in 2008.

Family members left behind to cherish memories include: Dick’s sister and brother in law, Jo Ann & John Cryder of Joliet IL; Daughters Linda (Austin) Carr of Miami Springs FL; Sharon Manley Vander Clute of Middletown NY; Laura (Dave) Aibel of Madison NH; Donna (Ron) Kuhnen of Estero, FL. Dick was immensely proud of his grandchildren: Cody, Hannah, Abby, Amy, Brad and Michelle. “Pi Pop” will be missed by his 6 great grandchildren (Annalise, Norah, Caleb, Owen, Ryan & Mya).

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held Saturday, January 19, 2019, 5-7pm at the Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church Hall. Bring a food dish to share (no alcohol please…..), your folk instruments and singing voice. If you wish to honor Dick’s memory and legacy, consider donating to any of the following in his name: Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church; Hudson River Clearwater Organization; Habitat for Humanity. For more information about the gathering in January, please contact smvanderclute@hotmail.com.