Ralph K. Manley, who parachuted into Normandy France on D-Day (June 6, 1944) and was a City Councilman, passed away May 6, 2019. Manley was an enthusiastic supporter of Springfield, known for his “public leaps of joy” and indefatigable optimism.
A lifelong Springfield resident, Ralph was first elected to City Council in April 1999 and re-elected in 2003 and 2007. He served as Mayor Pro Tem from April 2003-2007 and was a member of the Finance and Administration and Public Involvement committees.
“Ralph left a great legacy for this community," Mayor Ken McClure said. "People may know him for his tradition of distributing silver dollars when he would first meet them. He's best known for saying how proud he was of our community. On behalf of City Council and the City of Springfield, I send my sincere condolences to his family. His life enriched the world around him.”
Manley also served on several civic boards, including Springfield Planning & zoning Commission, Greene County Planning & Zoning Commission, Greene County Building Commission and various building code committees and served as Vice-Chairman of Vision 20/20, the City’s comprehensive planning process. In 2006, he was honored for his civic involvement by being named Springfieldian of the Year.
His community involvement also included service with the Masonic organizations has a 32nd degree Mason, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, 501st Parachute Infantry Association, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Springfield Apartment Association and a 50-plus-year member of the Home Builders Association of Springfield. He was a recognized authority and consultant in residential construction and land development, having buildt more than 1,500 homes and developed residential subdivisions totaling over 2,000 lots in the Springfield area.
In 2004, Manley flew to Normandy, France, and parachuted again, as he did during the war with the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles.
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