William J. Manduca ’59

William J. Manduca, 76, of Perry Dr. in Dresden, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta. He was born on March 14, 1938 in Biddeford the son of S. Theodore and Mary (Hoctor) Manduca.  Bill was educated in OOB Schools graduated in 1956. Following graduation Bill entered Maine Maritime Academy graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in Marine Science. Shortly after graduation Bill served as an officer in the Merchant Marine and the United States Navy.  It was during this time he married Jeannine Y. Dionne of Lewiston.

Bill chose a career as a Maine State Trooper, a career lasting 32 years.  His service included such positions as a detective, ballistics agent, and investigator in the Fire Marshall’s Office.

Bill had a great love for music.  He was a member of a very musical family playing in such groups as: the Bellamy Jazz Band, Italian Heritage Center Concert Band, the Alumni Band of Southern Maine, Monday Jazz Orchestra of Rockland, the Victory Swing Band of Yarmouth and various bands in Florida.

He was a member of the Maine Maritime Alumni Association.  Bill married Catherine Cleaves in October of 2009.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, first wife Jeannine Manduca, sons Michael and Russell Manduca, grandsons Kyle and Tyler.  He is survived by his wife Catherine Manduca of Dresden, brothers Theodore Manduca and wife Patricia, Frank Manduca, both of OOB, sister Mary Elizabeth Conley and husband Richard of North Carolina, sons William A. Manduca and wife Jean of Mississippi, Thomas S. Manduca and wife Karen of Monmouth, daughter in-law Tammy Manduca of Augusta and his Cathy’s children Julie Brown and husband Paul of Winslow, William Cleaves Jr., of Liberty, Michael Cleaves of St. Petersburg Fl., Mark Cleaves and wife Diane of Hampden, 17 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 on Thursday, June 19,  at Kincer Funeral Home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, June 20, at 10am at St. Ambrose Church, Kimball St. Richmond. In Bill’s memory donations may be made to the American Cancer Society 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Topsham, Me 04086 . The funeral home is at 130 Pleasant St. Richmond.