Richard James Manley

Richard James Manley passed away at his White Plains home on Sunday, September 27, 2015, at the age of 65. He is survived by his loving fiancé, Heidi Halpine of Long Island. Richard and Heidi planned to marry in the fall of 2016. Richard is survived by his devoted sisters and brothers in law, Janet and Bill Graham of Sleepy Hollow, NY, and Christine and John Koziol, of Danbury, CT. Richard leaves behind adoring nieces and nephews, Edmond and Arlene Manley, Mark and Linda Manley, Bill and Gloria Graham, Caroline and Hannes Thaler, Amy and Jamie O’Leary, Casey and John Grabowski, Jillian and Dale Kereczman. Many great nieces and nephews have loved their Uncle Rich, as have treasured cousins. Richard is survived by countless friends.

Richard’s life began in Brooklyn, NY, in 1950. The son of Edmond and Lillian Manley, he was born with a bone disease that required him to spend his days confined to a wheelchair. In spite of his disabilities, Richard demonstrated early on that he would live a full life amongst the family and friends he loved. After his family moved to Elmsford, NY, in the late 1950’s, Richard attended Elmsford Public Schools, and went on to graduate from Temple University where he studied American Literature.

In 1975 Richard began working for Westchester County’s Office for the Disabled. In time he became its Director, and led that office until he retired in 2002, overseeing the programs that have helped disabled people in Westchester gain access to the support needed to participate fully in society. He is known for his role in the development of the Para Transit system, which provides transportation for disabled individuals who are not able to use regular bus service.

Richard was a lifelong, passionate advocate for the needs of disabled people and the quality of their lives. One of his favorite jobs was to visit elementary schools and speak to children about the everyday lives of disabled people, especially disabled children. In this way he helped to raise awareness and acceptance of disabled people in our communities.

Richard was a gifted artist/cartoonist, musician, and writer. He was famous for the hand drawn Christmas cards he posted to family and friends, and his beautiful short stories were enjoyed by so many.

Richard loved super-heroes, Las Vegas, art, music, The Beatles, and Ray Charles. However, alongside all of his many passions, there was nothing he loved more than his family and his friends. He graced us with his generous love and humor for all of his life, and we will miss him for all of ours.

Visiting hours will be at the Ballard-DurandFuneral Home, 72 E. Main Street, Elmsford, NY on Thursday, October 1 from 2-4, and from 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Elmsford at 11:00 am on Friday, October 2.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Richard's memory to:
Shriners Hospitals for Children
2900 Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
855-401-4897