Laconia-Robert “Bob” L. Manley, 63, of 44 Warren Street died Thursday morning, April 20, 2006 at his home after a period of declining health.
Born in Melrose, MA on March 13, 1943 he was the son of the late Leroy A. and Dorothy (Huckins) Manley. Bob was raised in Gilmanton Iron Works before moving to Laconia in the 1950’s where he made his home.
Bob was employed by Northeast Tire Service in Laconia as a mechanic prior to his retirement in 1999. He also worked for the former Kip 'n Joe's Volkswagen in Gilford and the former Granite State Volkswagen/BMW in Concord for many years. As an accomplished and skilled auto technician Bob was one of the first in this country to become a ASE Master Registered Technician with designations for BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen.
Bob was an active member of the Concord Moose Lodge #1374 and served as a trustee. As his passion was for automobiles and auto racing, Bob could be found racing in the 1960’s at the former Bryar Motor sports Park. He was a member of the SCCA in the 1970’s, and was an active advocate and columnist for NASCAR, as well as writing several articles for the Racing History Group, and Vintage Racing. Bob was a graduate of Laconia High School Class of 1961.
A nephew, Mark Campbell predeceased Bob.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Patricia A. (Landry) Manley of Laconia, one son, Patrick “Chumley” Manley and his fiancée Sue Davis of Belmont, one daughter, Catherine Woods and her husband Scott of Shertz, TX, three sisters, Elizabeth Anderson of Salem, MA, Nancy Manley of Wolfeboro, NH, and Joyce Campbell and her husband Dan of Peabody, MA, one step-brother, John Morrill and his wife Maggie of Moss Point, MS, three grandchildren, Kristan Cram of Salem, MA, Michael Cram of Gilford, NH, and Nathan Woods of Shertz, TX. One nephew, Jason Campbell and his wife Jen of Peabody, MA, one niece, Liz Anderson of Salem, MA, and his mother-in-law, Aura Landry also survive Bob.
A private Graveside Service for the family will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia. There are no visiting hours.
For those who wish, the family suggests expressions of sympathy in Bob’s name may be made to Community Health & Hospice, Inc., Memorial Gifts, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246, www.chhnh.org ,or to the New Hampshire Humane Society, P.O. Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247.