Ularsee Manar was born September 18, 1935 in Chicago, IL to the union of Edward Manar, Sr. and Daisy Hollinshed-Manar. At the age of 84 he peacefully departed this life May 1, 2020. Ularsee was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He received Christ in his youth and was a devoted member of Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church. His involvement with his home church spanned over 70 years. Ularsee’s particular fondness was singing in the church choirs, where he served as a soloist and in the chorus. He also served on various committees and auxiliaries to assist his fellow members and pastor.
As a seasoned professional who held a master’s degree in social work (University of Illinois) and bachelor’s degree in sociology (Loyola University), Ularsee gave his time, talent and expertise in a variety of capacities from human services and community organizing to government and family counseling. He was known on the south and west sides of Chicago as a committed professional, who took improving the lives of the people in the black community, via economic development, as a vital mission.
Up until his demise he served as the assistant to the president of Trinal, Inc., a Diversity and Inclusion Economic Development Consulting firm. Prior to that, Ularsee served the state of Illinois and the City of Chicago in several leadership roles, including as the technical advisor to the Illinois Department of Transportation, director of business and industry services for Kennedy King College and director of outreach programs for the City’s Department of Procurement Services. His presence in the African American community has made a profound impact on black-owned businesses and the community as a whole, as his procurement role entailed working as an intermediary between city vendors, local trade and business associations and the city’s procurement department. He also worked for many years as a child and family psychotherapist at the Rush Day School at Rush University Medical Center. Additionally, Ularsee was the founder and president of Manar and Associates, a small business and human resource development company. And before his career kicked off, he was the lead tenor in the 1950’s doowop group called the Four Buddies!
Ularsee was not only a singer, dedicated community activist and civic leader, he was also an advisor to many – giving sage advice and blessing others with his wit, sense of humor and comforting words in times of despair.
His love for people was always evident. He’d give gifts just because, capture pictures of friends and family, dance with nieces, nephews and grandkids, treat the whole gang to dinner, share his casino winnings, produce plays for children during black history month, protest over injustices, march with Mayor Harold Washington, shroud his south side home with artwork that honored Chicago's black families, cheer on his beloved Bulls when they didn’t deserve it and give a good tip to the server who didn’t really serve.
Perhaps you never met him or knew his name, but his impact on helping to shape the upward mobility of his people will continue to be measured well into the future. Like most of our community heroes, he worked behind the scenes and was recognized by his colleagues as a man who got things done. Born out of humble beginnings and raised in the Ida B. Wells housing projects along with seven brothers and sisters, Ularsee Manar became a leader, who trained and inspired others to work toward the advancement of the whole community.
Ularsee leaves to carry on his legacy and mourn his loss; two devoted sons, Andre Manar (Francine) of Providence, RI, Keith Smitherman (DeShong) of Indianapolis, IN; two brothers Edward Manar, Jr. of Los Angeles, CA; Marvin C. Manar (VaNessa) of South Holland, IL. Sisters: Harriet Dorsey (Donald) of Las Vegas, NV; Darnisha Hawkins (Jon) of Chicago, IL; and Mamie New of Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and business associates.
A celebration of the life of Ularsee Manar will be announced at a later date.
Memorial donations in Ularsee's name to Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church are appreciated. Please call 312-842-5957 to donate.
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Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church 312-842-5957
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