David William Manson Sr.

Born in Providence, R.I. on July 5, 1937, David was the oldest son of Donald and Helen Manson. He attended schools in Warwick, RI and graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 1956. He graduated from Brown University in 1960 and received his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Boston University.

During these formative years, David was recognized as an exceptional athlete. He played football, basketball and baseball at Lockwood and Veterans High and received All-State recognition in both baseball and football. At Brown, he earned First Team All-East and All-New England as a pitcher with an earned run average of 1.11. In 1998, he was inducted into the Warwick Veterans Athletic Hall of Fame.

After completing his education in the early 60’s, David entered the world of private school, teaching and counseling first at Worchester Academy in Worchester, Mass, then at North Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth, Maine. Following a teaching sabbatical in Germany, he returned to Maine and enjoyed three years as the Director of Guidance at Mt. Ararat School in Topsham, Maine.

Shortly after graduating from Brown, David met Ellen Klev and on November 22, 1963, the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and they married in Wellsley, MA. Together, they lost an infant daughter, then raised two children, Lynne and David Jr., with whom they enjoyed many lasting memories.

While they were living overseas and visiting Ellen’s Norwegian hometown in Norway, they rediscovered their fondness for down comforters. This was during the 1970’s energy crisis, and together, they decided to return home and introduce them to the US market. They named their mail order business Cuddledown. David and Ellen sold in the late 80’s and refocused their energy on real estate, travel and the snowbird lifestyle.

David’s life was blessed in many ways. He will be remembered for his unwavering sense of humor, gratitude, tireless work ethic, exceptional athleticism, and love for his family, his friends and sports. He enjoyed gardening, golf, skiing, fishing and boating. He will be deeply missed.

David was predeceased by his father and mother, and his infant daughter, Kristen. He is survived by his wife, Ellen K. Manson, his daughter, Lynne Gawtry (Michael), and son, David Manson Jr., his two grandchildren, Jack and Wyatt Gawtry, his siblings, Stephen Manson (Pam), Winnie Johannis, Paul Manson (Darlene) and his many nieces and nephews (Beth, Noah, Peter, Kristen, Trevor, Kenny, Erik, Lina, Helga, Sonia, Kalle, Heidi, and Erik).

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Legacy Memory Care in Falmouth, Maine for their care, compassion and commitment to his wellbeing as he navigated the ebbs and flows of dementia with patience, grace and that classic David Manson humor.

An informal gathering to mingle with family and friends will be held from 4-7 pm on December 9, 2025, at Gather restaurant, 189 Main Street in Yarmouth Maine.

There will be another informal gathering this spring in the Warwick RI area.

A private burial will be held this summer at Riverside Cemetery.

To view David’s full obituary and memorial page, please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com