Michael Manning, a retired state Department of Transportation employee, local history enthusiast, and devoted volunteer whose quiet generosity touched much of life in Pine Plains, died of natural causes at his home. He was 73.
Over the years, Manning became a familiar and beloved presence in town through his work with the Pine Plains Free Library, Friends of Stissing Landmarks, the Little Nine Partners Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, and The New Pine Plains Herald.
“I first met Mike when he volunteered to help on a rail trail event about 20 years ago,” said Dick Hermans, Vice President of the Pine Plains Local Journalism Project, Inc. “He was always friendly and giving. He was one of the people who, in many small and big ways, makes life in a small town an uplifting experience.”
Born Sept. 14, 1952, in Oceanside, N.Y., Manning grew up on Long Island and graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in geology. Before settling in Pine Plains, he worked a variety of jobs and met his wife, Mary, in Poughkeepsie.
Manning moved to Pine Plains in 1991. He first worked in a deli in Poughkeepsie and later opened his own deli in Pine Plains. He later took his wife’s advice and sat for a civil service exam.
In 1994, he joined the New York State Department of Transportation, where he worked for more than two decades in bridge inspection and survey work. He retired in 2019.
His affection for Pine Plains was also expressed through its past.
Before he lived in town, Manning would visit Stissing Lake and pick up a copy of the Register-Herald, drawn especially to its “Out of the Past” column.
“It started with going to the beach,” Manning once said. “Before I lived here, I used to come up just to go to the beach, and I would always pick up a copy of the Register-Herald and take it with me.”
Years later, after discovering old newspaper clippings stored behind the Graham Brush House, Manning salvaged what he could and turned the material into two scrapbooks that he donated to the Pine Plains Free Library. Among his favorite stories was an account of Curtis Simmons riding his horse into the Stissing House tavern during the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.
“The history. There’s no end to it really,” Manning said. “There’s always more to learn.”
Manning was also a valued volunteer contributing writer at the Herald, where his warmth and friendly presence became part of the rhythm of the newsroom.
“Mike was such a kind man, and he brought that kindness to every editorial meeting,” said Patrick Grego, editor in chief of the Herald. “I’ll always remember the heart-shaped cake he baked for the the staff, and I’ll miss seeing him every week in his colorful hat. His absence at the table will be deeply felt.”
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Accardi-Manning, who died in 2013, and by two siblings, Philip and Claire.
He is survived by five siblings, Diane Aaronson and her husband, Bruce; Susan Barrett and her husband, Scott; Maureen Manning; Peter Manning and his wife, Becky; and Ellen Awell and her husband, John; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, two stepchildren and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, March 23 at Peck & Peck Funeral Home in Pine Plains. Burial will follow in Wappingers, where his wife is buried.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to organizations Manning supported, including Friends of Stissing Landmarks, the Little Nine Partners Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, the Pine Plains Free Library, the Ashokan Rail Trail, and The New Pine Plains Herald.
I’m terribly sad to read of Mike’s passing. He was a gentleman, a character, and a generous friend, including to many older members of the community. His profile of Harry Holleufer upon his 100th birthday was a treasure, and his wry sense of humor was on brilliant display in his “on this day” compilation of local news events from the Register-Herald. RIP, Mike, you were an indelible part of life in Pine Plains.
Mike was a real friend and devoted to Mary and his community. We will miss him and his postcards.
I worked with Mike at the DOT for 20 years. He always made me smile. We once road-tripped to West Virginia to stay with his family and see a football game. We also had many hikes and talks together. He was a wonderful person and loved sending post cards from various places. RIP Mike.