John Preston Manning, age 67, of Marblehead, more recently of Salem, died peacefully in the Essex Park Nursing Home, Beverly on Thursday, January 2, 21014.
Born in Salem the son of the late Richard F. and Virginia (Preston) Manning and brother of Richard Manning, he was raised and educated in Swampscott. He graduated Swampscott High School, Class of '65 as Senior Class President. After high school he began what was to become a lifetime career in construction. He partnered with two friends and formed Continental Quality Building and remodeling which florished for many years serving customers on the North Shore. John finished his career and retired from Glover Property Management in Marblehead as a lead carpenter/foreman. John was an avid champion cribbage player frequently challenging his at the Gerry 5 in Marblehead and Market Square Associates in Marblehead. He loved riding his Triumph motorcycle and his blue Jeep and listening to Rock and Roll music and the Oldies music and was an avid sports fan. John had a zest for life and an infectious smile.


His Guardian and longtime friend Scott Thibodeau and his wife Kathy of Swampscott survived him along with many close friends, including George Prescott, and brothers
David and Fran Peralt of Marblehead.


He was predeceased by his longtime companion Linda Mae Pugh.


A Gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Murphy Funeral Home , 85 Federal St, Salem to be followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Friend's of Marblehead's Abandoned Animals, 44 Village St, Marblehead, MA 01945. For online guest book or additional information please call 781 631 8885 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.