McManus Family Remembers Dad

11/21/2012 (Updated 11:47:20 PM)

The Broome County Executive who was the first democrat to hold that office has passed away--

Donald McManus died Tuesday night, surrounded by his wife Kathleen and his entire family.

The life-long Endicott resident was elected to the executive's post in 1976, also making him the first Democrat to hold county-wide office.

McManus also served as Town of Union Councilman and Supervisor in the 1970's, and became New York's Acting Secretary of State in 1982.

He worked with the administrations of both Governor Hugh Carey and Mario Cuomo --he was noted for working with both Democrats and Republicans:

"When he dealt with his legislature, it was 14-5 Republicans over Democrats, he learned how to work across party lines," said McManus's son, Kevin McManus. "He brokered many legislation, that was bipartisan, for the betterment of our county. We could use a little bit of that these days."

McManus's granddaughter, Stephanie Pruden, commented, "He never limited himself and I think that has really, really impacted my life, and let me know I can do whatever I set my mind to."

And McManus's grandson, Kevin McManus Jr., says, "He'll always be deeply remembered... I'm never going to forget him."

Calling hours will be Sunday from 2-6pm at the Allen Funeral Home in Endicott, and and funeral mass Monday at 10 am, at St. Anthony of Padua church in Endicott.
Donald McManus, who'd been battling Leukemia, was 79-years old.