Peter J. Manning
October 13, 1948 ~ April 6, 2026
Born in:
Portland, Maine
Resided in:
Portland, Maine
Portland – Peter J. Manning, 77, of Brighton Avenue, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
Born and raised in Portland, Peter was a proud son of the city he loved and served throughout his life. He attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and graduated from Portland High School in 1967, part of what was then the largest graduating class in the school’s history. As a young man, Peter distinguished himself through his dedication and character, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1966—the first in his troop since its founding in 1948. He was also awarded the Ad Altare Dei medal, a Roman Catholic scouting honor that reflected his deep and lifelong faith.
Peter continued his education at Ricker College in Houlton, graduating in 1971. During his time there, he was an active member of the Kappa Beta Fraternity and served as its treasurer during his senior year. Peter maintained close friendships with many of his Kappa brothers throughout his lifetime.
A lifelong public servant, Peter was elected to the Maine State House of Representatives in 1980, where he proudly represented Portland for 12 years. During his tenure, he served on the Human Services Committee (formerly Health and Institutions) for all 12 years, including six years as its chair. He also served on the Marine Resources Committee for four years and the Corrections Committee for six years. Peter was a thoughtful and effective legislator, sponsoring more than 100 bills that became law. Among his many accomplishments, he introduced and successfully passed the “Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act” in 1983, raising standards for those authorized to perform x-rays.
Following his time in the legislature, Peter continued his commitment to public service. He played a key role in the development of the Cumberland County Jail, introducing legislation to acquire the land and serving on the building committee through its completion, as well as on the Jail Committee for three years.
Peter’s professional career included work with HRS Maine, an affiliate of Maine Blue Cross Blue Shield, before dedicating 20 years to the Maine Department of Human Services as a Support Enforcement Agent.
Beyond his professional and civic life, Peter was deeply involved in his community and faith. He was a longtime member and past president of the Greater Portland Council of Catholic Men, where he helped organize the group’s annual breakfast for many years. He also served on the board of Saint Joseph the Provider, a thrift shop in Portland’s Old Port. A man of strong faith, Peter was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Church choir, and in recent years, a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish.
Peter had a deep love for the water and was a longtime member of Centerboard Yacht Club, joining in 1974 and serving as Commodore during the 2000 season. He cherished his time on Casco Bay, first aboard his sailboat Crow’s Nest and more recently on his motorboat, Mar-Sea-Ah.
A lifelong Democrat, Peter took great pride in representing the people of Portland and remained deeply committed to his community throughout his life.
Above all, Peter was a beloved husband, brother, stepfather, and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. His stories and his love will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.
Peter was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Jeanette Manning, as well as many extended family members.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Manning of Portland; sister, Janine Manning of South Portland; step-daughter, Allison Kennie and husband Kevin; granddaughter, Nora Kennie; step-son, Jonathan Roods and fiancé Anna Lombard and her children, Haisel and June McGeachey; he is also survived by many extended relatives and friends.
Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, April 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland. Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home for a brief prayer service, followed by an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.
Peter will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his deep faith, and his enduring love for the City of Portland.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 US Rte 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105 or Andwell Health Partners Development Office, 15 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston, Maine 04240.
Services
Visiting Hours: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Prayers: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Mass of Christian Burial: April 15, 2026 11:00 am - April 7, 2026 12:00 pm
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Peter always made you feel like a million dollars when he saw you. A great smile, wonderful sense of humor and kindness to
match.
May God’s grace surround him always.
The Sullivans enjoyed Peter’s company countless times over many years. He was my brother Rick’s best friend. He was family. So sorry to Jean and Janine.
A beautiful person and the dearest of friends. Peter had a life of service to others and abundant love of family and friends. A great story-teller who loved sports and sailing and Portland and Aroostook County. Peter is forever in our hearts and we will miss him everyday.
My condolences to the Manning family. We were classmates. (PHS 67). He called me a few years ago when he was visiting the County. It was nice to catch up after all those. God Bless Peter and his family.
My sweet date to Ricker College Homecoming 1969. Felt privileged to have been on his arm – and to have called him my friend. Linda Harrington
Peter was a wonderful friend, neighbor and classmate. I always enjoyed seeing him. He passed much to quickly. He wIll be missed by all who knew him.
Luttrell family, Vancouver Canada
I am so sorry to see Peter’s death in today’s paper.
Peter was a parishioner at St. Pius parish in Portland.
I am happy to have known him.
His presence at St Pius will be missed.
to Peter’s family -I offer prayers especially in this terribly sad time
Susan Wallace
So sorry to read of Peter’s passing. What a beautiful soul! Always greeting us with a vibrant smile and lots to talk about! Janine, I am thinking of you! ❤️
Peter was my Fraternity Brother and Marcia and our friend for over fifty years. We went to a small college in Houlton where we became life long friends. I will miss our telephone conversations especially debating Red Sox vs Yankees. I will miss seeing Peter each September in York Beach when we would get together. Peter was a gentle soul who cared so much for people and people cared so much for Peter. Peter although you are no longer with us Marcia and I have so many wonderful memories of times spent together you never ever will be forgotten. We will miss you very much as will your brothers..
Rest in peace good friend and fraternity brother. Your years of service to the Portland community and the State of Maine are well noted. Your contagious smile is indelible. We will once meet again! Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.
To Jean, her family and to dear Janine and extended family
I am so heartbroken for this great loss.
Peter was so kind, funny and loved his family and friends. He enriched everyone’s lives.
When you greeted Peter, he was so sincere and made you feel special. Peter was one of a kind for sure! He will hold a special place in my heart❤️
His memory will certainly live on.
Rest in peace Peter with God, the Angels and your loved ones that passed before you.
Janice M DeFrancesco
Peter was such a kind, generous, warm-hearted man, with a wonderful sense of humor. What great memories of summer vacation times and Christmases with Peter and the Julianos. This good man has left us too soon. Our condolences to you, Jean, and all of the Manning Family.
Peter was a great man! He was always smiling and always joking. My thoughts and prayers are with Peter and his family.
We were saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. Peter was a wonderful man. We have known Peter for over 50 years. It was a true pleasure to work on Peter’s initial campaigns. Our entire family counted Peter as a dear friend. We will not be able to attend his services as we are traveling, however, we will be thinking of you at that time.
Peter was the heart and soul of the Greater Portland Council of Catholic Men. I enjoyed working with him very much to put on the Communion breakfast for many years. Sharon dates back to their childhood days at Sacred Heart. We’ll miss all the stories. We will miss you . Rest in peace , Peter !
My sincere condolences to the Manning family. Peter was a very nice man whom I always enjoyed talking to. May he rest in peace.
There are no words…Peter was my college roommate, Fraternity Brother and Dear Friend at Ricker College in Houlton, Maine. We have been friends for 60 plus years. The memories are many: Christmas Preludes, Blues Festivals in Rockland, York Beach Reunions, sailing excursions in Casco Bay and many trips to a Broadway show in New York City. Even though our friendship was marked by these events, we always maintained close contact throughout the years, talking several times a week. The stories were many! It was these weekly conversations that were true testaments to our lasting friendship. We always knew Peter would be there, available to listen about “life” and its myriad of events. We relied on Peter’s wisdom, noble character, and unwavering faith. He will remain in our thoughts and prayers and of course in our hearts.
“Sunshine passes, shadows fall
But Love and Remembrance
Outlasts all.
There is a link that death cannot sever,
Love and Remembrance will last forever.
Rest In Peace Dear Friend
Greg and Sue
Jean, Janine and family, our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Peter.
To Peter: We lost you unexpectedly and way too soon. Thank you for the many years of friendship and great memories.
From gatherings in Rockland for the “Doo-Wop ‘n’ Blues Lobster Bake” and the annual Blues Festival, to York Beach in the fall for the Ricker College Kappa Beta brothers’ get-together and cruises on Casco Bay on the Crow’s Nest- we have so many memories. We ended the season at Peter and Jean’s with a wonderful gourmet dinner upon arrival, followed by a fun-filled Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude the next day for a “shop ’til you drop” event.
So many years of laughter and fun. It’s difficult for all of us who call you “friend” to let you go, so we’ll just say, ” ‘Till we meet again, dear friend, and thanks for the memories.”
(Side by side or close at heart (Ricket College Kappa Beta) brothers will always be connected by heart.
Rest in peace,
Rodney & Cheryl
Jean, Janine and family, my deepest sympathy for the loss of Peter. Peter brought pleasure to the lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will live on through his many public service contributions and commitment to the community.
Rest in Peace,
John and Anita Oliver
,
I have fond memories of conversations with Peter over the years at various family gatherings. Always warm, always engaging, Peter was one of a kind. I’m sure we covered lots of different topics throughout that time but what I remember most was the topic of sailing and our shared passion for being out on the water. My sincere condolences to Jean, Janine and all family members who are dealing with this tragic loss.
Peter and I were fraternity brothers at Ricker College in Houlton, Maine. We met during the fall of 1968 when I heard a loud Tarzan call when Peter signaled the beginning of the weekend from his dorm window; and we maintained a close friendship throughout our lives. Peter visited me in New York City in 1970. He came for a week and stayed a month. His mom used to call my mom to ask if it was ok. Of course we embraced Peter and he became family. There are so many memories, too many to list here. My grandfather spent days making Italian sauce for his first visit only to find out that Peter preferred butter on his spaghetti. Peter had an uncanny memory and a gift of storytelling. He remembered the first time we went to Madison Square Garden to a Rangers game. He remembered every statistic, player, goal, and every hot dog we ate. From the moment he met Felix he treated him like a brother. That’s the kind of person he was. Even to the end we spoke to each other 2 – 3 times a week. I will miss those calls, those conversations, those laughs, and the trials life threw us. Rest in peace my friend. Felix and I will never forget you.
Elaine Whitmore Edwards and family.
His Loving 💚☘️ Spirit will be with you Always 🙏
💚☘️ 🙏. Gary & Betsy Winship
I was very saddened to read of Peter’s passing. I will remember him for his dedicated and effective service as a legislator and community servant, as well as for his friendship, deep faith, and concern for others. Peter made a positive difference in the lives of countless Portlanders and Mainers, leaving a great legacy. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
So very sorry for your loss!
Very sorry to read of Peter’s passing. Always enjoyed our conversations, whether at the State House or at a social (fundraising usually!) gathering. My condolences to his family.