| CONDOLENCES (GuestBook) |
7/10/2021 JP Plunkett
Milton, MA, USA
Dear Tara, John and Mrs. Manley, I will miss Jack a great deal. As my dad’s longest and most cherished pal, the Plunketts considered him family. He was so happy, fun and loyal. He loved you three and his grandkids, immeasurably. God Bless him. Love, JP Plunkett
7/11/2021 Tim George
West Roxbury, MA,
I was one of many friends of Jack. I, like all of Jack’s friends, always looked forward to seeing and talking with him. His personality, his humor, was infectious. I bowled many strings with Jack at the alleys in Norwood. Jack had a wonderful and full life with his family and friends. He’ll be missed. My sincere heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.
7/13/2021 Glenn and Maureen Cassidy
Fairfax, Virginia,
Remembering Jack Glenn has been reflecting on Jack’s passing which has been difficult for him to process. He came out yesterday morning after we told him Jack had passed away and he told a wonderful story about them playing a football game, and times spent at Fallon Field, CYO basketball games at Holy Name. Glenn had a big smile on his face because of these wonderful boyhood memories. Glenn has been called many things son, brother, dad uncle, grandpa. And in his career he’s been Mr Cassidy as a teacher and professor, Coach Cassidy and Colonel Cassidy but there are few titles he’s that has held longer and dearer than Friend to Jack. Two middle school boys who became fast friends meeting on the streets of Roslindale and West Roxbury. Friends through High School at Roslindale and later through Boston State. Teaching was in both their hearts. Both married girls from the same class at Fontbonne Academy. Keeping in touch over the years. Jack was the linchpin in bringing Glenn ‘s memory back after a devastating accident while working at the Pentagon. Jack gathered old friends together in West Roxbury to meet with him on trips up to see family in Massachusetts from our home in Virginia. Jack did this several times for us, visiting, going to reunions, gathering many other old friends to spend a day of reminiscing. And a wonderful week with Jack’s family at the cape. Jack went out of his way for his friends Glenn and Richard both who treasured this effort with visits continued strengthening friendship as they suffered their disabilities. Which Jack seemed to look beyond just taking time and talking to his boyhood buddies. And one that makes me think that Richard and Jack are sitting in beach chairs listening to the ocean swapping stories once again. Rest In Peace My Friend May God reward you for your kind heart. Glenn and Maureen Cassidy
7/14/2021 Bob Sawtelle
West Roxbury , MA, USA
Jack was my best friend. He was a best friend to many. He was one of a kind. He was like no other. He truly was special. Although love was not often a topic of discussion, it was always there just under his wise-guy crust. “My Ruthie” is how he referred to her, the love of his life. He made it very clear that he would be lost without her. She’s a good woman. Jack was a great father; a guide, a cheerleader. Jack, the grandfather - fuggetaboutit! There was rarely a conversation when he was unable to weave them into his stories. He was so proud of them. He was a fan. Even when he wasn’t feeling well, he was at their swim meets and hockey games. He would give me lengthy reports - a real Cosell job. Every snapshot - every damn splash. I would nod off. He celebrated their every accomplishment, but rarely mentioned his own. He was confident. No wait, he was cocky - and we loved it. It was Jack the showman for sure. The curtain was always up for Jack. He was a performer, whether in his backfield or behind his bar. He was fun. Yes, Jack was cool. He was a talented, competitive athlete. He was old-school. He was a ball player. If there was a ball field around, he was on it. Could be in cleats, spikes, sneakers or golf shoes - he would be there and he would be there to win. And he did - but he never bragged. But off of the ball field and onto the dance floor it was a different ball game altogether. “They would grab me by the arm and pull me onto the dance floor, I swear to God pal. They formed circles around us.” Sure, we talked about our creeping, show-stopping frailties. I whined - he never complained. Never. He was strong and caring to the very end. I cried when I checked my messages. It was from Jack, from his hospital bed! And it was calling to see how I was doing. Imagine - how I was doing. “Whadya say pal. Just called to check on you pal. Call me back will ya pal?” He died the next day. He was Jack Manley. He was a good man. He was my best friend.
7/14/2021 Steve Fratalia
Osterville , Massachusetts, United States
I had the pleasure of getting to know Jack thru The Kelly Club of the West Roxbury Softball league. My involvement with Jack and that team was probably the happiest 5 years of my athletic life and "Manley" "Fredly" was a big reason why. Jack was no non sense competitor extraordinaire, once you crossed the white lines onto the field of play the business of winning began in earnest. Jack was the quarterback of the infield assessing constantly the situation and how to position everyone to optimize our chance of success in every situation given the batter and the runners on base. Such a heady smart player. He could place a line drive single anywhere he wanted to depending on how the opponent was playing him. In golf we competed against each other as members up at Norfolk Golf Club with Dahlstrom and Linehan. Such great fun with Jack Manley grinding on the golf course with him. The best fun was after competition having a cold beer and reliving every detail of every inning of every golf hole and every situation. Laughing and talking and getting inside each others athletic mind. Jack and I shared the same competitive mindset. We both agreed on one thing. When the game is on the line I want the ball hit to ME. I will make the PLAY ... I will make the PUTT... A true competitors champion was Jack Manley, a gifted athlete, a loyal friend and one funny showman and such a great storyteller. I love spending time with this nut and all of our nuts from the Kelly Club. It was like being a member of Team " One Flew over The Cuckoo's Nest" and Manley was the Team Captain ... gonna miss you Jack but you will live forever in my heart.