Joseph F. McManus, 82, of Branford, formerly of Madison and North Carolina, died on Dec. 19. He was the husband and soul mate of the late Anne McManus. A brilliant and charming man, Mr. McManus was a proud father of eight and the loving “Grampa Mac” of 18.  He was born in New Haven on Feb. 1, 1929, son of the late Joseph D. and Agnes McManus.  Mr. McManus held degrees from UCONN and UHART, and as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he served in Korea and Japan from 1951 to 1953.

Mr. McManus married his sweetheart and raised his family in Madison. After a career in education, he bought the Old Saybrook Shoe Repair. He and his wife then retired to North Carolina before returning to their cottage in Branford to live the rest of their lives surrounded by all of the people they loved.

Besides his large and ever expanding family of children and grandchildren, his is survived by his brother, Richard McManus, and his cousin Sister Nancy McNamara. He is also survived by friends too many to list, but held dear in his heart.  He was predeceased by his beloved son Joseph.

A mass will be held on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m., at St. John’s Church in Old Saybrook.  Burial will be private. The Swan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.