Thomas J. Manning (TJ), 69, of Cockeysville, MD, passed away on June 27, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.

TJ was born in Washington, DC in 1954. He spent his early childhood in Silver Spring, MD and in Sherwood Forest in Annapolis, MD. From there, the family moved to the suburban Baltimore area, where he spent the rest of his life.

He graduated from Calvert Hall College High School, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Mount Saint Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD, and was awarded a Master of Business Administration Degree from Johns Hopkins University.

TJ was an industrious young man, having worked since he was a teenager. From a dishwasher to a bus boy to a corporate desk, TJ was always diligent about his work. After he graduated from college, he sought a career in the printing industry that spanned several decades. He worked for many years in quality assurance, estimating, and marketing at Port City Press, Inc. in Pikesville, MD.  He then worked as sales coordinator for United Book Press, an integrated book and journal manufacturer in Baltimore MD. A longtime member of the Printing Industries of Maryland, TJ served on the Education Committee and the Public Relations Committee. He was also a member of the Government Affairs Committee as well as the Santa Claus Anonymous Committee. Anyone who has ever worked with TJ has said he was a very kind man; interesting, funny, enthusiastic, and smart. He was compassionate and complimentary, and he was humble. He was a gentleman's gentleman.

TJ was a man of quiet service. In addition to his career, he was a very active member of the Greater Towson Jaycees. He was recognized twice (1982 and 1985) as "Jaycee of the Year" and went on to become the president of the Jaycees from 1987 to 1988. TJ volunteered to chair the 1988 "Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Foundation", a program dedicated to inspiring and developing youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation, as TJ himself embodied these qualities.

In 1987, the Maryland Jaycees named TJ one of ten "Outstanding Young Marylanders", an award that recognized his community service and his devotion to enriching the lives of others.

TJ was a sports enthusiast. He loved rooting for his Baltimore Ravens and his Baltimore Orioles. On any given Sunday during football season, you would find him glued to the TV watching a game; (or maybe even attending one!) He knew just about all there is to know about football, from the line of scrimmage to the touchdown. When discussing the Orioles, he knew batting averages and ERAs. He knew the Orioles' win-loss record and league standings and could easily swap statistics with anyone. He was also an ardent fan of the University of Maryland Terrapins and was a member of their Booster Club.

TJ was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Katherine Manning, his sisters Patricia Kwetkauskie and Katherine Lane, and his brother, Frank Manning.

TJ is survived by his loving wife, Brenda and her daughter, Alejandra. They were the loves of his life, and he adored them both. He is also survived by a brother, Michael (Sandi), and his sisters Marianne Lancaster (Susan Swanson), Lisa Manning (John Worthington), Rosemarie Kadis, Mary Jeannine Sperlein (Dave) and Teresa Kaderabek.

He is also survived by his nephews, Brian Kwetkauskie, Brett Manning, Leigh Manning, Ryan Manning, Trevor Lancaster, Michael Worthington, Jeremy Sperlein, Daniel Sperlein, Jacob Kadis, Dillon Kadis, and Mitchell Kaderabek. And he is survived by his nieces Lara Kwetkauskie, Jaquelyn Wade and Michelle Worthington. He was extremely proud of them and all their accomplishments.

TJ loved to tell funny stories and would entertain himself just by telling them. He could engage in conversation on just about any topic. He was a wonderful husband to Brenda and a devoted father figure to Alejandra. He was a great brother and a great friend. His infectious laugh, his kind heart, and his tender soul will surely be missed.

Although he couldn't overcome cancer, TJ quietly overcame many other challenges in his life and yet humbly lived to help another.

This piece from Open Passages captures TJ's life perfectly:

"They say beauty comes from a spirit that has weathered many hardships in life and somehow continues with resilience. Grace can be found in a soul who ages softly, even amid the tempest.

I think the loveliest by far is the one whose gentle heart bears a hundred scars from caring, yet still finds a way to pick up the lamp, one more time, to light the way for love."

Rest in Peace TJ. You left our world a better place.

The family will receive friends at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Saturday July 29 from 9 AM until 12 PM with a Memorial Service beginning at 10 AM.