Henry James Manwell

Henry James “Jim” Manwell passed away from complications of Covid-19 on Monday, July 18, 2022 while at the family lakeside cottage in Michigan. His life spanned 77 years, six continents, several careers, and thousands of friendships made, stories told, and lives touched. Until the very end, he was in direct communication with his many family and friends, and will be missed dearly by all. Jim was born on May 22, 1945, the eldest child of Henry James Manwell and his wife Mary Martha (nee Golibart). He was notably one of the oldest cousins in a large family on his mother’s side – his maternal grandfather, Simon Golibart, married his grandmother Frances Rohrbach in 1912 (or 1913), and in short order their siblings also found love, creating strong connections between the Golibart and Rohrbach families, and over 100 double-first cousins. This large, tightly knit, but at times rowdy family was ever-present through Jim’s life. For the past 20 years, he acted as a de facto family historian, allowing him to revel in the stories of the family, while also providing him an opportunity to maintain bonds and connection across generations of the wide-spread family. While born in Washington, DC, he was raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and always prided himself on his Midwest values and work ethic. He was a National Merit Scholarship finalist at St. Andrews High school, then joined the Jesuits to study at Colombiere College, eventually earning two Masters degrees, in classics and theology, at Loyola Chicago. Through-out, he played high school football, was a member of the church, and worked at Michigan institutions of Mooney’s ice cream and Ford during summers. Eventually, he graduated with an MBA from the University of Michigan in 1975, which strongly colored his sports preferences going forward – he could always be counted on for a rousing “Go Blue!” on Saturdays in the fall. Jim moved to the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn in the mid-70s. A noted raconteur, over the many years, he built friendships and community wherever he went—at his church St Francis Xavier, as a referee with the local AYSO league, or just walking down 7th Avenue for bagels. No one was immune from a “Big Jim talk” – shopkeepers, neurosurgeons, pastors, our mayor, building managers, former colleagues, artists, or fellow parents – all heard about the latest goings-on for the world, the neighborhood, Michigan football, the Lions, his family, or each other. Big Jim kept everyone connected. His faith was a constant presence throughout his life. Starting as an altar boy at an early age, and progressing to be a Jesuit scholastic (until he met his wife Anne!), he maintained a strong connection to the doctrine and practice of the church. He was a regular church goer, and as a lector, his booming voice was recognizable to the congregation. Recently, however, he struggled with the American Catholic leadership, leading him to leave the church, a decision that was very difficult. Over time, with consideration and much discussion with friends, he eventually chose to follow his faith, and see the good of Catholicism overall, and returned. From an early age, Jim had a huge love for the written word: history, philosophy, all kinds of literature, and his daily NYTimes (print edition). He leaves behind a study jam packed with well-loved books, a storage locker with the overflows, as well as a wake of library books that were fodder for his mind, and kindling for years of conversations. Jim’s long career as an executive and consultant in retail allowed him extensive opportunities for world wide travel. He traveled to six continents, immersing himself in the multiple cultures he had heretofore known through books, and then returning to recount his adventures to friends and family. He loved New York deeply, for its vibrancy, its people, and all the activity piqued his curiosity. But, he most loved New York’s arts scene. Jim and his wife Anne were a regular presence at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Metropolitan Opera, and countless other shows through the year. In fact, there was a family tradition to attend whatever was that year’s “in” show for Christmas. They also were members of the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and many more. Recently, Jim and Anne found a home with Brooklyn’s 440 gallery. They believed in supporting good causes and felt a responsibility to participate in the gallery’s success – collecting dozens of artworks for themselves and their family, and actively supporting gallery’s programming, especially the regular jazz events, Me, Myself, and Eye. He loved his family most of all. He is survived by his wife Anne, children and their spouses Paul (Jennifer), and Katherine (Quest), and granddaughters Frances, Adeline, and Sophie. He maintained strong bonds with and will be missed by his family, his siblings Terry (Kathleen), John, Mary Agnes (John Jackson), as well as hundreds of cousins across many generations. Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 225 6th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215. In lieu of flowers, Jim would have wanted donations to be made to the Making Headway Foundation. The foundation provided great care and support to the family over the years. Donations can be made at https://makingheadway.org/donate/ For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Services, 989-755-8277. Condolences may be left at www.fischerfuneral.com.

Henry James Manwell

May 22, 1945 - July 18, 2022