Frederick John McManus

Frederick John McManus (10/13/1946 – 2/5/2025), was born in Boston, MA, the son of Frederick A. McManus and Alice E (Carnes) McManus, of Reading MA.

As an infant, Fred was doted on by his 3 older sisters, who nick named him ‘Pinky’. When he set up mass production & sales of birch holiday logs as a pre-teen, it was clear Fred was an entrepreneur. Like his Dad, Fred was clever, creative & had the vision to fix or build just about anything – qualities that well served him & many others throughout his lifetime.

A 1964 graduate of Reading Memorial High School, Reading MA, Fred went on to earn his B.A. at Keene State College, Keene NH, where he met the love of life, Judith Ayers, of Wenham,MA. He & Judy married May 10, 1969 and they initially settled in Antrim and Concord NH, where they welcomed their 3 sons, Matthew Sean, Jason Ayers & Nathan Dwight. In the early 1980s, they moved to Nashua, NH, which became their forever home & community. Fred served many roles including Deacon and Stewardship at First Church (UCC) Nashua, NH and as volunteer at the Nashua Soup Kitchen.

Professionally, Fred & Judy worked hard & primarily for themselves, successfully building and operating McChandler apartments in Nashua & their PMA Amway distributorship. He was also the finance manager at Tulley’s car dealership for many years. Fred could market or sell just about anything.

In their spare time the McManus’ travelled extensively throughout the world (China, Russia, Europe) and explored more locally with their pals, Curmudgeon & Friends. They also enjoyed playing games with friends & family and were avid cribbage players.

Fred had a natural charisma and was a great storyteller and jokester. He did a great Carnac the Magnificent. He was also known for his friendly smile, firm handshake, hot wheels, spiffy ties, eclectic culinary skills & his vast camera collection.

After a valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease and heart issues, Fred died peacefully after a brief stay at Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH, surrounded by his loving family on the morning of February 5, 2025, at the age of 78.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Judy (Ayers) McManus; and their 3 McManus sons & families: Matt & Kris (Nashua, NH); Jason & Kelly (Snohomish, WA) and Nathan & Ryane (Manchester, NH); 9 grandchildren: Elisha, Ella, Ben, Tyler, Grace, Carter, Jake, Thomas & Ewan and 4 great grandkids: Greyson, Maverick, Arielle, and Ayven. He is also survived by his 5 McManus siblings Joan Doherty & Ann Morris (Reading, MA); Rheta & Ron Record (Saugus, MA); Kevin & Anne McManus (Bow, NH); and Maureen & Kirt Gillum (Sanbornville, NH) and a slew of nieces, nephews & dear friends.

Frederick J. McManus was a kind and wonderful man who touched so many; He will be much missed & forever remembered.

SERVICES: Visiting hours will be held at Davis Funeral Home at 1 Lock St Nashua, NH on Thursday, February 13th, from 5 pm – 7pm. A Church service will be held on Friday, February 14th at 10 am at First Church of Nashua at 1 Concord St Nashua, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend. Memorial donations may be made in Fred’s name to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd, Merrimack NH, 03054 https://www.hhhc.org.