John "Jack" Dean Manley

John Dean Manley (Jack) passed away on December 14, 2021 at the age of 94. He is survived by his beloved wife Berchie Manley (née Lloyd) of 73 years, children Deana (Don) Holler, Darien (Bonnie), former daughter-in-law Gudrun Hightower, his grandchildren Brian (Nicole) Holler, Christine Holler-Butt and (Alex Butt), Daniel and Nicholas Manley, and great grandchildren Hildi and Hugo Holler. He was predeceased by his son Neil Manley, brother Paul Joseph (Clara) Manley, and parents, Agnes and Connor Manley. A private graveside service for family will be held on December 16, 2021 at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

Jack was born in Portsmouth, Ohio in 1927, his family later moved to Baltimore where he graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic High School, and was recruited to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at Wake Forest.  His education was interrupted when he enlisted in the Army during World War II, but returned to graduate from Wake Forest University in 1951. 

He went on to teach physical education at Centerville, Parkville, and Catonsville High Schools, until he was hired as the first administrator of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics at Catonsville Community College (CCBC) in 1959. Mr. Manley oversaw the development of 22 intercollegiate sports, and the implementation of women's sports at the local, regional and national level. He coached men's basketball, cross country and track and field, while also earning the rank of full professor in 1977.

In 1980, Jack received a commendation from then-governor Harry Hughes for his work with Title IX legislation and was cited in Sports Illustrated Magazine for his tireless, and innovative support of organized collegiate women’s sports. He was completely engaged in the total welfare of the student-athletes, co-founding the first regional Medical Aspects of Sport Seminar with Dr. Ramsay Thomas to address the specialized medical care of student athletes. Manley partnered with Dr. Raymond Bahr, Dr. Mike Keleman, and Dr. John Murray to create the first cardiac rehabilitation program outside of a hospital setting, the Prescribed Active Cardiac Exercise program (PACE) in this region at Catonsville Community College.

From 1973 to 1984, Manley brought his fitness message to local senior citizens by creating a Senior’s Fitness Program at the Catonsville Campus offering participants the opportunity to exercise, swim, and socialize. In 1984, he was inducted into the Maryland Physical Fitness Hall of Fame.

Jack remained an important contributor in the continued success of his former coaches and student-athletes and was inducted into the NJCAA Region 20 Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2012 he was honored to have the Athletic and Wellness Center on the CCBC Catonsville Campus named after him. Manley was also named a CCBC Professor Emeritus, the highest honor bestowed on retired faculty.

After retiring, Mr. Manley continued to engage with CCBC on a wide variety of projects and also volunteered in his local community. He continued to serve as a member of the board of directors of the Catonsville Community Foundation, volunteering for over 29 years in the Forty West Lions Club, and for a quarter of a century as one of the founding members of the Maryland Senior Olympics 

In 1992, with his wife, then a Baltimore County Council member, spearheaded the revival of the Lurman Woodland Theatre, an outdoor community amphitheater offering free concerts every summer weekend. For his numerous community contributions, he was named the Grand Marshall of the 60th Catonsville July 4th parade in 2007. 

"His immense contributions as a trailblazer and leader, innovator and program developer, and coach and mentor are matched only by his commitment to his family and his community," said Brian Farrell, CCBC Director of Athletics. 

But of all of Jack’s success and honors over the years, when asked, he treasures one the most: his family. 

A celebration of Life and Memorial will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions made in his name to the Lurman Woodland Theatre, the Gilchrist Hospice Association and the CCBC Foundation.

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