MANNING, Lawrence R. of Dedham, age 74, passed away peacefully after a period of declining health on September 6, 2025. Larry was the beloved husband of Nancy (Driscoll) for 44 years, and the devoted father of John Paul and his wife Caitlyn of North Attleboro and Luke and his wife Megan of Framingham. He was the beloved “Papa Sarge” to his grandchildren John Paul, Jr. (JJ), Caleb, Matthew, Maxwell, and Eleanor. Larry was the youngest of 5 sons of James and Cornelia Manning. He was predeceased by his brothers James, Daniel and Robert and is survived by his brother David of Norwood, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was a proud son of Brighton having grown up in Fidelis Way and was always ready to tell a story or two about St. Gabriel’s Parish and “Bugs Village”. Larry had a beautiful singing voice, cantoring at 7 Masses each weekend as a teenager at St. Gabriel’s Church. He was a graduate of St. Columbkille’s High School, Brighton, Class of 1970.
Larry was a City of Boston Police Cadet in the early 1970’s and later joined the Boston University Police Department in 1974 where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and proudly served for 42 years. After his retirement from Boston University, he worked for Red Sox Security.
He cherished Red Sox games at Fenway Park, Beanpot Championship games and Cape Cod vacations in Dennisport and Falmouth with his family and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St, Dedham on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 4-7pm. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Friday, Sept. 12 at 12:00pm followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 1:00pm (accessible parking in rear). Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations be sent in Larry’s name to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 25 Avery Street, Dedham, MA 02026 where he was a lector for many years.