Salem….

Richard E. Manninen, age 79, husband for 43 years of Ena (Cohane) Manninen of Salem died Saturday morning, August 20, 2010 in North Shore Medical Center, Salem. Born in Peabody, son of the late Emil and Alexandra "Sandy" Manninen, he was raised in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High School in the class of 1949. A decorated veteran, Mr. Manninen then entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War until his discharge in December of 1953.

A graduate of Burdette College, he then became a well known, self employed plumber in 1953 on the North Shore a career he continued for over 35 years years. During that time he also a part time bartender for Salem County Club for several years. In his retirement, Mr. Manninen continued working part time for Rolls Battery in Salem.

A dedicated Boston sorts fan, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving him in addition to his wife are his children, Richard J. Mannninen and his wife Janice (Hayes) of Danvers; Tracy Clothey and her husband Glenn of Peabody; Salem Police Officer Erik Manninen and his wife Julie of Salem; Lindsey Manninen and her fiancé Scott Chicarello of Lynn; a brother Reino Manninen of Ipswich; a sister, Elsie Nordin of Lynn; two grandchildren, John William and Ella Grace Manninen of Salem; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother George O. Manninen and a sister Esther Stone.

His funeral will be held privately at the request of the family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Autism Speaks, ATTN Web Gift, 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036 or by visiting www.AutismSpeaks.org. For online guest book or additional information, please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.