The Very Reverend William Manning Hale

The Very Reverend William Manning Hale, 88, of Marlborough NH, and MacMahan Island ME, died at home surrounded by family on April 4, 2014. He was born in New York City on July 12, 1925, son of The Reverend Whitney and Sara Elizabeth (Manning) Hale.

He attended The Park School, Buffalo NY and Rivers Country Day School, Brookline MA, graduating from South Kent School '43, South Kent CT; and Brown University '49, where he helped to re-establish Brown Crew.

Enlisting in the Army Air Corps Cadet Training School in July 1943, he received his wings and commission as an officer in September 1944. At the age of 18 he flew 37 missions (17 as lead bombardier) in the Southwest Pacific in B-24 Liberators, becoming a 1st Lieutenant at age 19. He was a member of the 13th Air Force, 307th Bombardment Group and 372nd Bombardment Squadron on the Island of Morotai.

After the war he taught English and Latin for two years at The Park School in Brookline MA before entering The General Theological Seminary in New York City. He was ordained Deacon in June 1954 and Priest in December of the same year. He attended the College of Preachers, Washington DC; Trinity Institute in New York City; Center of Studies at Coventry Cathedral, England; and St. Deniol's Residential Library in Wales.

In 1955 he married Helen Houston Frost at All Saints Church, Worcester MA.

A curate for two years at Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield MA he was Rector of The Church of the Atonement, Westfield MA before becoming Dean and Rector of St. Paul's Cathedral, Syracuse NY.

He was elected a Deputy to The General Convention of the Episcopal Church on seven occasions, and Deputy to Provincial Synod. He was President and Trustee of the Alumni Association of The General Theological Seminary and served on the General Board of Examining Chaplains for the Episcopal Church. He chaired the Standing Commission on Church Music which compiled and published the 1982 Hymnal.

He was a Companion of the Order of the Cross of Nails, Coventry Cathedral. In the Dioceses of Western Massachusetts and Central New York he served on multiple international, national and local boards and committees.

Upon retirement in 1990, he served as Acting Canon Precentor at Coventry Cathedral; Interim Rector of Christ Church, Alexandria VA; St. John's Episcopal Church, Cold Spring Harbor NY and Calvary Church, Pittsburgh PA. For a number of years he was Priest-in-Charge of St. Francis Chapel, Marlborough, and was also a Priest Associate at St. James Church, Keene.

He was a member of the Mayflower Society and the Dublin Lake Club. As a resident of Marlborough, he was very active on the committee to build the new Marlborough School.

His passions included sailing and cruising with family and friends along the coast of Maine and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Bill was a big fan of coffee ice cream, crab cakes and classical music; he made sure all within hearing range would be able to enjoy his favorite pieces at proper decibels. His big smile, warmth and kindness made all who crossed his path feel welcome and loved.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Frost Hale of Marlborough NH; his sons William M. Hale Jr. (Susan Keefe) of Freeport ME and Stephen F. Hale (Sara Choler) of St. Louis MO; his daughters Helen H. Mead (Ted) of Marlborough NH and Rebecca H. Malone (Paul) of Chelmsford MA; grandchildren Sarah F. Mead, Alden H. Mead, Paul G. Malone III and Samuel M. Malone. He was predeceased by his brother, The Rev. Samuel Whitney Hale, Jr., and sister Margaret Hale Kunhardt.

At the request of the family, there are no calling hours. Services will be held on Saturday April 26th at noon at St. James Episcopal Church, 44 West Street, Keene NH. Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro St., Keene NH is in charge of the arrangements. (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com)

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Friends of Frost Free Library, PO Box 475, Marlborough NH 03455 or to Hospice at HCS, PO Box 564 Keene NH 03431.