MEREDITH ---- Norman R. Manchester, 96, of Westport, MA, formerly of Tiverton, RI, passed away peacefully in New Hampshire on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Born on February 1, 1930, Norman lived a long and full life that spanned more than nine decades and extraordinary changes in the world around him. Through it all, Tiverton remained an important part of who he was—a place woven into his history, family, friendships, and memories.
Norman was the son of Roland and Caroline (Jean) Manchester. Born and raised in Tiverton, he spent much of his life there before moving to Westport in his later years. At various times, he also enjoyed second homes in Florida and New Hampshire. He joined the Army at age seventeen and, two years later, married Evelyn Willis, his childhood sweetheart and the mother of his four children.
He is survived by his daughters, Geraldine Harvey of Laconia, NH, and Barbara Gray and her husband Lynn Clairmont of Gilmanton, NH; his son, Randal Manchester and his wife Denise of S. Thomaston, ME; his sisters, Gail Sylvia and Sandra White, both of Tiverton; three grandchildren; Brandon Harvey of Belmont, NH, Kathryn Harvey Fedora of Westfield, MA and Keith Gray of Gilmanton, NH. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Elijah Steven Harvey of Belmont, NH and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A self-employed business owner throughout his life, Norman was a successful excavating contractor and landlord. He later owned and operated Norman’s Auto Sales in Tiverton for many years, eventually adding used golf carts to his lot on Main Road. Never one to retire completely, he continued buying and selling used equipment well into his nineties.
Following a private family graveside service, Norman will be laid to rest in his hometown in Pleasant View Cemetery on Old Stone Church Rd, Tiverton, RI near his son Roland and his sweetheart Evelyn, both of whom pre-deceased him. He was also predeceased by three sisters, Estelle Cargile, Lorraine Peabody, and Alice Hathaway, as well as his son-in-law, Steven Harvey.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.