Francis Manelski of Shelter Island died on August 19 at his home, just four weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Known to family as “Big Papa,” he was 87.
Born in 1921 on a farm in Hicksville, he was one of six children of Andrew and Mary Manelski. He graduated in 1939 from Hicksville High School; in his senior year he was captain of the football team. He was also a caddy, a job that he enjoyed and that sparked his love of golf. In his adult years he was an avid golfer and a member of the Southampton Golf Club.
In 1942, he entered the military and was selected for the Naval Cadet Aviation Program, serving in World War II. Upon his discharge from active service as a naval lieutenant, he became a private pilot instructor. In 1948 he was hired by Trans World Airlines (TWA) as a first officer. He was called back to active duty during the Korean War and flew transports into Korea from Japan for two years. In 1953 he returned to TWA where, according to family, over the next 33 years he become known as one of the company’s most respected senior pilots.
During his TWA tenure, Mr. Manelski accomplished a number of “firsts,” including the first Paris to San Francisco non-stop flight (20 and a half hours). Family recalled last week that he was especially proud of his time at TWA, where his dedication and work ethic were demonstrated in many different ways. In his 33 years with the company, he never took a single sick day.
In the mid-1970s he purchased beachfront property on Lily Pond Lane in East Hampton and rehabilitated the existing house. Over the next 20 years, it become his favorite place to be, where family and friends came to enjoy the beach and his company. He loved to entertain and summers were especially delightful for him, as he opened his home to family and friends. Survivors recalled that his Fourth of July get-togethers—and the front row seating for the fireworks show—were legendary. In 2001 he moved to Shelter Island and built another family home on Westmoreland Drive, again, always wanting to be on the water.
Survivors said this week that Mr. Manelski was an individual who believed strongly in his family. He loved his children and was known as a “softie” to his grandchildren.
Known for his sense of humor and love of practical jokes, he had a quick wit and a twinkle in his eye, family members said, adding that his humor was inclusive and gentlemanly in nature.
Family also said that he considered himself blessed, with friends and family and his career. He often mentioned that he was lucky in life and felt that the phrase “there but for the grace of God go I” was meant for him. One of his final requests was for people not to feel saddened by his passing, but rather to celebrate his memory.
He is survived by two daughters, Maureen Manelski of Shelter Island Heights and Andrea (née Manelski) Shastid of Kentucky; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A son, Lee Francis Manelski, predeceased him in 1991.
Visitation was held on August 23 at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. A funeral service was held on August 24 at the Most Holy Trinity Church in East Hampton, followed by interment in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 would be appreciated by the family.
on Aug 26, 2009