Thomas E. Manchester

Thomas E. Manchester, a native and resident of Elmira, NY passed away on October 7, 2024. He was 73.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Claire and Dorothy Helen (Vought) Manchester, and his sister Ann M. Manchester. He is survived by his brother Robert "Chet" Manchester, his nieces Gabrielle Manchester and Olivia Manchester, his nephew Zachery Manchester, and many cousins.

Tom dedicated his life to the protection of the lives and property of the residents of the Town of Southport and Chemung County. He was a life member of the Southport Fire Department and held membership in the Central New York Firefighters Association and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. He began his career as a Public Safety Communications Operator in 1973 when he was hired by the Town of Southport as one of the first employees to staff the town's fire and police communications center. He remained with the town until 1993 when he joined the first group of Communications Operators to staff Chemung County's E911 consolidated communications center. He served there with distinction until his retirement in 2006.

Tom enjoyed bowling, playing poker and "burning gas" as he loved to drive around Southport and the surrounding area. He was a good friend and a good citizen and will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his brothers and sisters in the first responder community.
Friends and family are invited to Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY for calling hours on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, when his memorial service will begin. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Elmira at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southport Volunteer Fire Department, 1001 Carl Street, Elmira, NY 14904, or to a charity of your choice.