John C. McManama

Waltham - Dr. John Carroll McManama, Jr., born July 21, 1916 to John C. and Elizabeth W. McManama, passed away peacefully Friday night, February 10, 2017, in the arms of his children, at the age of 100. He was a cherished brother to the late Agnes Cohn Quinn, George B. of Belmont, the late Rosemary Quinn, and Elizabeth (Betty) Kasper of Waltham.

John was a loyal husband, married to the late Barbara Frances Magner for 49 years. A devoted father and inspiration to his nine children and their spouses, John is survived by: John C. (Carl) and his wife Judie Blair of Jamaica Plain; Susan M. Gianinno and her husband Larry of Boston; Barbara M. Curley and her husband Frank of Milton; Elizabeth M. (Beth) Murphy and her husband John of Scituate; Steven M. and his wife Christine of Medfield; Michael and his wife Cathleen of Plymouth; Peter and his wife Linda of Wakefield; and Marianne M. Howard and her husband Don of Kingston. He also leaves a legacy of 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, all of whom he treasured more than anything. Additionally, he is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

He was also the father of the late Daniel F. McManama.

"Dr. John," as he was affectionately known, was a lifelong resident of Waltham, Massachusetts. He graduated from St. Mary's High School of Waltham ('33), Boston College ('37), and Tufts Medical School ('41). While in residency at St Elizabeth's Hospital, he was called upon to serve his country in WWII. After attending Tropical Medicine courses at Walter Reed Memorial Hospital, he was assigned to the 96th Infantry Division, a.k.a., "Dead Eyes."

Dr. John proudly served his country as a Combat Surgeon in Leyte, Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. He fondly recalled his time training across the United States' West Coast and is grateful for the memories it afforded him. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Medic Badge, and Presidential Unit Citation for his life-saving work. Upon returning home to Waltham and St. Elizabeth's Hospital, he met his true love, Barbara (Maggie) Magner. A year later, they were married at St. Paul's Church in Hingham. They raised their family in Waltham.

Dr. John was dedicated to the community and families of Waltham and surrounding cities. He opened his medical practice in his childhood home on Church Street in Waltham (where his father had once held a practice), and for more than 30 years, he provided health care for hundreds of families. He was a classic general practitioner, who made house calls and delivered more than 3,000 babies during his practice.

Dr. John served as the Director of the Waltham Board of Health, Director of the Waltham School System Health Services, and Medical Director of Reservoir Nursing Home. He was also affiliated with Waltham Hospital and St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he served as President of Staff. Dr. John also supported the student athletes at St. Sebastian's throughout the sixties and seventies.

In 1972, Dr. John took a position with Boston College as a Staff Physician in Health Services. For the next 37 years, his love and commitment to his alma mater grew exponentially, and he soon became the team physician for the football, hockey, and men's and women's basketball programs. He embedded himself in the university, the staff, and most importantly, the students, becoming a fixture on the sidelines of every home football game. His unwavering passion and commitment to the athletes at Boston College included an on-field sideline view of "The Miracle in Miami." He was honored by Boston College with two distinctions: The Alumni Association Medal of Excellence in Medicine ('90), and an induction into the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame in Medicine ('91). After almost four decades of service, Dr. John retired from Boston College at the age of 93.

Dr. John was fueled by his faith, family, and friends. Beyond that, his place of solitude was Humarock Beach in Scituate. He equally enjoyed the raw, natural power of a hurricane's impact on the ocean or a perfect summer day, relaxing with family. His passion for the Boston Red Sox included a deep knowledge of the farm system, which he loved to discuss. Seeing three World Series Championships over the past 14 years didn't suppress Dr. John's willingness to criticize the managers.

Dr. John and his entire brood were thrilled to celebrate his 100th birthday on July 21, 2016 at Humarock Beach. He loved a raucous gathering, full of generations, especially the babies, who were particularly at ease on his lap. He also loved to capture the lovely chaos on his giant camcorder. If you get a chance, ask one of his older grandchildren about the time he handed out dollar bills in exchange for on-camera "interviews." Although they regret some of their chosen hairstyles and fashion decisions, his family treasures that footage now.

Family and friends will honor and remember Dr. John's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, February 15th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

In lieu of flowers, the McManama family requests you consider a donation to charities most important to Dr. John (and his beloved Maggie): The New England Home for Little Wanderers, or the Disabled Veterans of America.