Saying goodbye to a dear friend

I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of my longtime friend Francis (Franny) McManimon. I was fortunate that our friendship lasted over 60 years. We met as adolescence during competitive sports on the playgrounds of Hamilton Township, and forged a lifetime friendship.

As our friendship matured Franny took an interest in my well being and introduced me to ways in which I could have a positive impact on my community through political activism. Franny who became Director of Hamilton’s Recreational Program under the administration of then Mayor Rafferty, appointed me as the first African American to serve in the recreation department.

Franny who always represented the best interest of all Hamilton diverse community would be elected to the State Assembly and the Senate. During his term in office it was my honor to service as his legislative aid.

Franny’s encouragement and support led me to run for the school board, and in 1975 I became the first African American elected to Hamilton Township Board of Education.

Over the years we shared the same values and concerns about our community and our desired to express that concern through public service.

I shall always miss my friend and my entire family Jacqueline, Jackie, Troy, Tony and Shelly offer our deepest sympathies to the McManimon family as we all mourn the loss of this beloved man.

— James E. Stevenson, Former

Hamilton Township, School

Board Member