|
 .
KERRY MCMANUS
1949-2023
Kerry M. McManus, a former local executive, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully on Thursday while sitting behind the steering wheel of his favorite vehicle, a 2022 custom Corvette. He was 73. Kerry was a car enthusiast. His brother, Phil, recalls that from an early age, Kerry's bedroom nightstand had stacks of Car and Driver and Motor Trend Magazines. Kerry had plans to attend the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in March. Last August, Kerry traveled to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance with his son, Jim. Kerry could be found most Saturday mornings at cars and coffee with his son and grandsons. He enjoyed sharing automotive stories as well as discussing past, present and future vehicles. Kerry followed in his father's footsteps as a successful businessman. His first business was Bolen Leather Products, a leather products manufacturing company in Nashville, Tennessee. Following the sale of Bolen, Kerry acquired the Cincinnati dealer of Invisible Fence Brand in 1994. He worked hard over the subsequent 27 years to make Invisible Fence a household name and the premium pet containment solution. Additionally, Kerry served as a board member for the SPCA Cincinnati. Kerry was a people person; very social and outgoing. He was always making new connections and networking. He was quick to recall a name and share a funny story. He maintained regular contact with his relatives and numerous friends from his past. His sociability served him well in his business endeavors. He will also be remembered for his smooth dancing style and as a competent drummer in his earlier years. Kerry's good humor and chatter will be sorely missed by his son and his daughter-in-law, Jim (Whitney Wauligman) McManus, his grandsons, Finn and Chase, his brother Philip McManus, his sister, Marilyn (Jack) Osborn, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Ruggles. He is preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Ruggles. Per Kerry's wishes, there will not be a funeral service, but rather, a celebration of his life by his friends and family in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, Kerry asked that donations be made to the SPCA Cincinnati. For more information and online condolences, please see www.springgrove.org
A message from Kerry's brother Philip McManus:
Just learned that my younger brother, Kerry, died yesterday. I was the last one he talked to…he called me just to talk on Wednesday night before leaving for dinner. His son found him yesterday in the garage slumped over the steering wheel of his brand new Corvette. At least he died where he was happiest. I’ll miss our weekly talks and his good humor. He was a good guy.
.png)
Kerry on the right
|
Douglas A. Unger
I was just with Kerry here in Las Vegas at the Ron Fellows driving school for corvette's. He had the best time racing his new corvette!
Suzanne Polisner (Eastman)
Kerry was such a nice guy. I so enjoyed catching up with him at our reunion. So sorry to lose another class mate.
Frank Wuliger (Wuliger)
I remmeber driving to Californai with Kerry in 1968 in my old Red Buick.
I remmeber great times in High School with him Driivng my Green Mustang
He loved Driving
We know he passed in his Happy Place.
Behind the wheel in his Corvette
Louise (Jan) Campbell (Campbell)
Another friend gone. I want to believe there's more after this, and Kerry is driving a Corvette in a fast lane that leads to his next best life.
Carey Fischer
Sorry for his family and friends. He and I spent more time talking at reunions than during school years. Used to kid each other about the misspelling of either his first name, or mine. Friendly and fun loving guy.
Kathleen Baribault (Kida)
I am so sad to see of Kerry's passing. He and I dated all through senior year in high school. Went to the prom together. I remember going out to dinner before prom with several other couples to Bratenahl. Very fancy and brand new on the lake. I also remember he had a nice car, a big gold sedan of some type with spotless white leather interior. He did love his cars. I was happy to hear he had a new corvette. He went to Cincinnati and I to Kent after graduating and we sort of drifted apart. RIP Kerry!! Thanks for the memories.
Milan Tiff
McManus. Another great Shaker story. There was a population of students, that drove themselves to school each day. The Italians prided themselves with their cars. They had only one rival, Kerry McManus. On any given day, the high school parking area ( aside from teachers ) would be like a showroom of cars. Kerry and the Italians when the bell rang, would slowly drive the oval around the school. Showing their interest and pride for their cars. He should be in The Shaker Heights High School Hall of Fame.
Bonnie Rogoff
A few years ago, I ran my horse PURE GOLD LINER in Cincinnati. Kerry came to meet me at the track for the afternoon and he was the lucky charm... PURE GOLD LINER won and we had our picture taken in the winners circle.
Ken Eckelson (Eckelson)
Kerry and I used to hang out around lunch time on the Alderside side of the oval. We shared numerous car stories at that time. Fast forward to the past 2 reunions, and Kerry and I talked endlessly about our car hobbies; his being the fast and sleek new cars, and mine being old street rods. Kerry was super impressed with Barry Fromm's brand new Fisker electric car. All he could talk about was that car that Barry let him drive downtown during the reunion weekend. RIP, my friend. I'll miss catching up with you at the next get together.