J. Bradley McManus

McMANUS J. Bradley “Brad” McManus, 92 of Phoenixville, PA, formerly of Drexel Hill and Newtown Square, a retired Pennsylvania real estate broker and developer, passed away on Monday March 21, 2011 from pneumonia at Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville, Pa. Brad graduated from West Catholic High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Villanova University. Following his graduation from Villanova, Brad enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps., rose to the rank of colonel, and was trained as a fighter pilot serving tours on duty in both World War II and the Korean War. The last surviving member of the “Lost Squadron”, Brad crash landed his P-38 Lightning on the Greenland Icecap in 1942 as a part of the Eighth Air Force’ “Operation Bolero”, the United States first attempt to fly fighters and bombers to the European theater. Also during one of his tours of duty, Brad met Lois Bebout, his soon to be wife and mother to their nine children, a nurse in the Army Air Corps. Upon his discharge from the service, Brad joined the family construction business, assisting in the sale and construction of homes in the Pilgrim Gardens section of Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, and in Aston, PA., ultimately developing shopping centers, housing developments, and office buildings across the region. In addition to his passion for flight, Brad enjoyed many other outdoor activities most notably golf. A longtime Member of Aronimink Golf Club, Brad enjoyed frequent rounds of golf and cherished the friendships made there for more than 65 years. Brad had also been a member of the Board of Trustees of Cabrini College and a member of various local Boards and Associations. Brother of the late Leo P. Jr. (Joan), Donald McManus (Denise) and Pauline Reynolds (Jack). Survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Lois D. (nee Bebout), his loving children Joseph Bradley Jr. “Buddy” (Jacki), Thomas S., David S. (Susan), Suzanne O’Neill, Lois Jean Shannon, Marion Pauline “Polly” McGowen (Francis), Donna M. McManus (Rick Stimpfle), Mary Louise Paski (Charles), Madeleine Spitz (Michael), also 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, his devoted brothers John S. (Rita) and Msgr. Robert T. McManus and his cats LuLu and Cleo. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Fri. Evening 5-8 P.M. at D’ANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME OF BROOMALL, 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008, and his Funeral Mass Sat. Morning 11 A.M. at St. Andrew’s Church, 3500 School Lane Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Interment SS. Peter & Paul Cem. Contributions in his memory to, Cabrini College Global Community Service 610 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087, would be appreciated.