In Memory of Fr. Manning

Father Paul R. Manning served the Oratory Prep community for 29 years in positions ranging from master teacher to beloved tennis coach, mentor and friend. He held the role of Headmaster from 1992 to 1994. Fr. Manning departed this earthly life on March 7, 2023. We welcome you to share your memories of him to be memorialized below.
 
"Father Manning was one of the teachers that most defined my years at Oratory. He taught us ancient Homeric Greek before the formal start of the school day, sometimes after presiding over early morning mass. While I was there he taught Latin, Greek, many levels of math, philosophy, and I even hear he taught French! Such was his dedication to educating young men that in the summer of 2000, Fr. Manning hosted a small group of us Greek students for extra sessions, where we studied Herodotus. Fr. Manning always held his students to high standards: nobody ever got a perfect score in his class. 100 was for God, 99 was for the teacher, and the best we could ever do was 98. His classroom enthusiasm was unmatched, especially when describing the beauty and order of mathematics. Once he got to know you, and what language you were studying, he would usually address you in that language. This was his way of recognizing each of us personally and adding a personal touch to his deadpan sense of humor. About 15 years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Fr. Manning at his retirement home in Florida. As many of you know, Father loved sunshine and enjoyed sitting out in the sun whenever he had the chance. He referred to his new home as his "poolside office" where he offered spiritual counseling to other senior citizens in the complex. Even in retirement, he continued to serve God and his neighbors!"
-Matthew O'Donnell '03
 
Fr Manning with Five Oratory Prep students
 
 
"Fr. Manning was a larger than life figure looming over my freshman geometry class. He made it perfectly clear to all of us where freshman belonged in the pecking order. He instantly demanded respect, but he also radiated a kindness, strength, warmth, and charm that was immediately apparent even upon meeting for the first time. At a time of our lives where we were all testing out personalities and thinking about who we wanted to be, Fr. Manning provided an exceptional example of what a life well-lived could look like. He showed that learning could be a truly joyful experience. He will be deeply missed."
-Eugene Gillespie '00
 
 
"Fr. Manning once told me that 'his 28 years at Oratory were the happiest of his life.'”
-Bryan Greiner ‘85