Bruce Earl Manwaring

OSWEGO – Bruce Earl Manwaring of Oswego, New York, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the age of 83 after a yearlong stay at St. Luke Health Services in Oswego, NY. Bruce was born in Westerly, Rhode Island on July 25, 1941, and graduated from Oswego High School. He attended Union College and later completed an accounting degree from Oswego State University.

In June 1964, Bruce married the love of his life, Ellen Knopp Manwaring, and together they celebrated an incredible journey of love and companionship for over 60 remarkable years. Their bond was a testament to dedication and devotion, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew them. As a long-term Oswegonian, Bruce supported his community in many ways, serving the city under two mayors as both the City Clerk and the City Chamberlain.  He owned and operated a small business, the Oswego Printing Company, and served on the Board of Pathfinder Bank. Bruce was also a member of the local Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, and Oswego Country Club where he maintained a spirited (and occasionally colorful) relationship with the game of golf.

Bruce was a kind, gentle man who inspired his children to work hard and strive to make the world a better place. Bruce and Ellen were dedicated to their children and their pursuit of athletics. Many of Bruce’s friends will remember sharing a beer with him in hotel hallways while traveling across New York State for hockey tournaments.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother Grace Pollard Thompson Manwaring, his father Zack Earl Ellsworth Manwaring, and daughter, Darcie, who passed away in infancy. Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Ellen, his sister, Ann Manwaring (of Wilmington, Vermont) and four adult children and their partners: sons Douglas (Nancy; Cincinnati, Ohio), Derek (Athena; Ridgewood, New Jersey), Micheal (Heidi; Seattle, Washington), and daughter Karin (Ethan; Los Angeles, California).  Bruce (aka Papa) was a grandfather to ten grandchildren that he adored and cherished: Grace, Grant, and Adam (Douglas); Leandros and Eleni (Derek); Taylor, Paige, and Claire (Michael); and Darcy and Oliver (Karin).

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, March 13^th, from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany Street in Oswego.  That will be followed by a celebration of life for Bruce at the Oswego Country Club.  A later burial will be scheduled in Peck Cemetery, Scriba.