Former County Executive Don McManus Honored at Funeral

11/26/2012 (Updated 6:43:40 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- Former Broome County Executive Don McManus who died after a battle with leukemia on November 20th was laid to rest today.  Friends and family remember him as more than just a politician.

The community mourned the loss of Broome County's first democratic executive Don McManus today, who died last week at the age of 79.

"He was someone we could always depend on.  He's a real loss," said Parma Longo, a trustee of St. Anthony of Padua Church.

In addition to his accomplishments as a political  leader, his family and friends recall a dedicated family man.

"I was always so taken by how close the family was and what a wonderful marriage don and Kathy had," said relative Laura Boteler.

"Whenever he had the time he would do his politics.  They came second and family was first.  He was probably better at time management than anyone I knew," said relative Jerry Butchko.

The service was held at the St Anthony of Padua Church in Endicott, where McManus was a trustee.  Church members told us that McManus built the altar for the church and also helped plan events.

"He was a rock of our church.  He was involved in many things throughout his life," said Longo.

Memories shared by hundreds of people attending the funeral.

"He was very laidback, and he was definitely a listener," said Boteler.

Samantha McDonald, Fox 40 News.