Richard Joseph McManus

Of Springfield, VA, passed away on September 4, 2021, at the age of 91 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on July 20, 1930, in New Brunswick, NJ, the son of Edward F. and Rose (Carolan) McManus. He married Elizabeth Earle Lee on June 28, 1958, in Walterboro, SC.

He attended Niagara University, serving all four years in ROTC and was a distinguished military graduate. He had a 28-year career as a U.S. Army Officer, retiring with the rank of Colonel. His overseas tours included Korea; Berlin, Germany; and Vietnam. During his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star with one cluster, Air Medal 2nd Award, Army Commendation Medal, along with numerous service medals and foreign decorations. He was inducted into the Niagara University ROTC Hall of Fame. Upon retirement from the Army, he worked for a variety of law firms in Washington, DC and retired a second time in 1992.

In addition to his military service, he was heavily involved in his community. He served on county and nonprofit boards, such as Fairfax County Social Services Advisory Board, United Community Ministries, Good Shepherd Housing, Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation, Mount Vernon Manor Civic Association, and the Mount Vernon Council of Civic Associations. Dedicated to his parish community, he was on the Parish Development Council and an usher at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his four children, Richard (Carolyn), Rose (Marcus), Michael (Annette), Beth (Lewis); his sister, Ann Marie; his grandsons, Michael, Patrick, Taylor, Saul, and Giles; and numerous nieces and nephews. A generous spirit, he supported and encouraged all those he encountered with prayer, kind words, and deep wisdom.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Mount Vernon Highway in Alexandria, VA. Visitation will take place prior to the Mass, beginning at 11:00 AM. Graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Niagara University, Good Shepherd Housing, or Good Shepherd Catholic Church.