George "Babe" M. Manyan

JAMESTOWN, RI - George M. Manyan, 84, died Friday, February 24, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Jamestown, RI.

   Born on February 22, 1939, in Providence, RI, he moved to Salisbury with his family at the age of seven.  He was the son of George and Gladys (Nalbandian) Manyan.

   George, known as Babe to family and close friends, was a 1956 graduate of Franklin High School.  At the age of 17, he joined the US Navy and served for four years, partly on the USS Tarawa.  He “saw the world” from the ship, including the Caribbean and South America. 

   After his discharge, he attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating in 1965 with a B.S. degree in mathematics.  He spent several years teaching earth science in Barrington, RI, High School then earned a Master’s Degree in High School Administration at Rhode Island College.  He taught mathematics at Mt. Pleasant and Hope High Schools in Providence.  His final job in academics was as Assistant Principal back at Barrington High. 

   After retiring from teaching, George began a second career buying and rehabbing buildings in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence.  A fixture on Ives Street, he could often be found working on one of his buildings with his good friend Tony or spending time at Captain Seaweed’s Pub with his friends there.   Among other pursuits, he was owner of George’s Deli on Ives St.

   George was a talented and interesting man, who enjoyed so much of life.  He could fix any car, at least before everything became electronic; loved the outdoors, gardening and observing birds and animals; spent many hours of amusement at casinos, sometimes bringing home more than he went with; listened to live jazz and bluegrass at various venues; liked to cook and host parties for his friends.  He never held back his opinions, particularly on education and its problems, and friends looked forward to their spirited discussions with him.

   He is survived by a brother David of Kennebunkport, ME, and a sister Gail Henry, who lives in the family home in Salisbury.  He also leaves beloved niece and nephew Dr. Jessica Manyan and her husband Tucker Densley of Barrington, RI, and Aram Manyan and his wife Elisabeth of Harbert, Michigan; great-niece Stella Densley and three great-nephews, Moses Densley, Gabriel Densley and Dylan Johnson; plus, several generations of cousins.

   Donations in George’s name may be made to The Nature Conservancy or The National Wildlife Federation.

   Interment and a proper send-off will be held at the Manyan home in Salisbury in the spring. 

   The Thibault-Neun Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.  For more information, go to neunfuneralhomes.com.   

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