Joseph Peter Manning

Joe graduated from Cheverus High School and Bentley College. He served in the National Guard and achieved the rank of sharpshooter. After college, Joe worked as a CPA at Arthur Young & Company in Portland, Maine. He later worked in both their Boston and Philadelphia offices.

He returned to Maine and, with his family, ran Yankee Ford Sales for more than 30 years. He later acquired both Brunswick Ford and Rockland Ford Lincoln-Mercury. He served on the Spurwink Foundation Board for numerous years and generously gave his time and talents to other community organizations, as well as to his friends, colleagues, and family.

A resident of the Portland area for decades, Joe enjoyed regular lunches and card games with his close friends. He was an avid gardener, art collector, Maine Celtics fan, and lover of all dogs, especially Airedale Terriers and his most recent dog, Monty. He never met a stranger he wouldn't strike up a conversation with, and he made friends everywhere he went, across Maine and around the world. Anyone who knew him knew his love of family gatherings, storytelling over a cup of coffee, and reminiscing on the phone with friends from afar.

Joe is survived by his loving wife and backgammon partner of 36 years Linda Jacobs; his daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth (Roy Houseman Jr.), Stephanie (Aryeh Pelcovits), and Rebecca (Michael Dereje); his sister Mary, brother-in-law Rusty, nieces Catherine and Elizabeth; his brother Michael, sister-in-law Dianne; his brother-in-law David, sister-in-law Louise, and nephews Alexander and Benjamin. He was a devoted Pop to his three grandchildren, Adelaide, Reuben, and Amichai, and four great-nieces and nephew (Evangeline, Sabrina, Abigail, and Clifford). He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of many causes Joe respected: Maine Needs (Portland, Maine); Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine (South Portland, Maine); Temple Beth El (Portland, Maine), or a charity of your choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 6 at 10 AM at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Cape Elizabeth followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.