In Memory: Barbara Connell Manley, Age 94

Barbara Connell Manley, 94, a former longtime Greenwich, CT resident, passed away peacefully at The Osborn in Rye, NY on December 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Prior to moving to The Osborn in 2016, Barbara and her devoted husband Frank, were residents of Field Point Park in Greenwich for over 40 years. The Manleys were avid members of the Belle Haven Club and enjoyed poolside family cookouts with their grandchildren and Mother’s Day brunches.

Barbara was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on August 12, 1930, to William and Esther Winger Connell, and was one of four siblings. Barbara was predeceased by her husband Frank, of 65 years, and her youngest son Frank, Jr. – passing sadly within weeks of each other. Barbara was the last surviving sibling of her Connell family, predeceased by her sister Jean (Robert) Bassindale, and recently her brother William Connell, and her sister Kate (Allen) Allured – both of whom also passed in 2024. Barbara was also predeceased by her husband’s brother and his spouse, Robert and Seon Manley, and her nephew Michael Allured.

Barbara was Valedictorian of her high school class, graduated from the University of Wisconsin College of Letters and Science in 1952 and went on to complete some graduate work. While at the University, Barbara was President of the Wisconsin Union, the third woman to be elected to that position in the University’s history.

In April 1952, Barbara married Frank and they moved to Switzerland when Frank was accepted into the prestigious International Institute of Management Development (IMD) for an Executive MBA. They later moved to Arvida, Canada before laying roots in Connecticut to raise their four boys.

Barbara worked for the American Can Company as Manager of Consumer Affairs and was the New Product Development Manager for their Dixie products division. She was selected to be on the National Board of Consumer Affairs Professionals. Barbara was founder and President of Teleplan and later changed the name to Manley Marketing. Additionally, Barbara served 10 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the Town of Greenwich, was an active member of Women In Management, and was a 2006 recipient of the YWCA Greenwich BRAVA award presented by former CT Governor M. Jodi Rell. Barbara’s company Teleplan was recognized in Fortune Magazine’s September, 1995 issue for entrepreneurship. The Manleys were passionate supporters of the New York Philharmonic, The Opera, SUNY Purchase and Yale Performing Arts.

Barbara is survived by her three eldest sons and their families: Charles and his spouse Robin Blair (Riverdale, NY), Richard and his spouse Cinnamon (Dallas, TX), Stuart and his spouse Jane (Fairfield, CT); her beloved grandchildren: Morgan Manley and her spouse Alex Hoffman (Charles), Aiden Blair Manley and Riley Blair (Charles), Lauren Manley-Sayin and her spouse Aykut (Richard), Nicholas and Rachel Manley (Richard), Kathryn Manley Rinaldo and her spouse Michael (Stuart), Ross C. Manley (Stuart), Max Bykov (Frank Jr.), and two great grandchildren Evan and Ethan Rinaldo. Barbara is also survived by her sister-in-law Jacqueline Connell, several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

A Funeral Service for Barbara will take place at 10 AM on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the First Congregational Church, 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT. A private interment for the family will take place immediately following the memorial service at Putnam Cemetery, 35 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT. Please consider making a contribution to The Bruce Museum, One Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830 in memory of Barbara C. Manley who loved The Bruce and was a longtime member and supporter of its community programs.