Obituary of Ernest P. Manos

Ernest P. Manos PEABODY—Ernest P. Manos, 87, beloved companion of Pauline Kolodziej of Peabody, died unexpectedly on Saturday January 23, 2010 at North Shore Medical Center—Salem Hospital. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Apostolas “Paul” and Stella (Capetanis) Manos, he was a lifelong resident of the city. He graduated from Peabody High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, and served in the Pacific Theatre Operations. He was on the mechanic crew that serviced one of the B 29 Bombers that were to drop the atomic bomb on Japan; since the mission was top-secret, he wasn’t aware of its future mission. Mr. Manos worked with A.C. Lawrence Leather for a few years, then was appointed to the Essex County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years, assigned to the Salem Jail, and retired as a Captain in 1981. He was the Proprietor of Esquire Motors for 25 years, retiring in 2006. Ernie was a “jack of all trades” as he could perform duties as a plumber, electrician, mechanic, cook and was pleased to help others in any way he could. He was a lifelong member at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody, a Life Member of the V.F.W. of North Andover which he transferred to Peabody, the American Legion Post 227 in Middleton, the Peabody Council on Aging, and the U.S. Boat Owners Association. He loved his Cabin Cruiser boat, Bandit, enjoying the ocean. He will be remembered for loving a great joke, and his willingness to help anyone on the street. He enjoyed gardening, and maintained Manos Island, the traffic island on Esquire Drive and received awards on its design and Patriotic Achievement. He is survived by: his dear life companion, Pauline Kolodziej of Peabody, with whom he shared a special 27 year relationship; a daughter, Eileen Gilbert of Beverly; his adopted children by Pauline, Bunny & Paul Atkinson of Danvers, Kim Hall and Mark Kolodziej both of Peabody, Phil & Sue Kolodziej of Boxford, and Stanley & Debbie Kolodziej of Peabody; 11 grandchildren, Melanie and Matthew Atkinson, Kristina Creel, Albert Hall, Liz & Barney Rogers, Phil, David, Peter, Samantha, Stanley, and Tracey Kolodziej, one great-grandson, Christopher Rogers; two brothers, George Manos of Peabody and James Manos of North Andover; and many nieces and nephews, and his dog, Meatball. He was preceded in death by his siblings, “Bambi”, Peter, William, Louie, Helen and Charles. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 – 8 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. location, Peabody. Due to allergy and health, PLEASE REFRAIN from wearing perfumes, cologne, after-shave or other scented products. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday Jan. 29, 2010 for his Funeral Service at 10 AM in the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery, Middleton. Memorial donations may be to American Legion Post 227, River St., Middleton, MA 01949