SHARON—William Jeffrey Manasse, 74, of Sharon, Conn., passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 18, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born to Edward Lincoln Manasse and Audrey Olsen (Manasse) Prindle, stepson of Stuart E. Prindle, William “Bill” was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle and friend.
He was a 1968 graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School, the University of Connecticut, Class of 1976, and a 1980 graduate of the Western New England School of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree. He was admitted to the Federal District Court Bar in 1983, was a highly respected attorney with the Manasse, Slaiby and Leard law firm in Kent and Torrington, and a member of the Litchfield County Bar Association. Bill had a keen legal mind, especially regarding property matters.
His commitment to public service was evident in his 24 years of service on Sharon’s Planning and Zoning Committee. He also served as vice president of Sharon Housing Authority and president of the Ellsworth Burial Ground Association. In all things, he dedicated his life to serving others.
He was passionate about American history. He was zealous about and devoted to his closely knit family. He was the family historian, exploring family genealogies in both Norway and the U.S. He and his wife, Debbie, loved traveling together, especially to the Amish country of Pennsylvania and to the United Kingdom. Treasured journeys were to Norway, the homeland of his Olsen ancestors, and to Outer Mongolia with his brother, Edward.
A public servant, and a dedicated family man, he will be remembered for his kindness, integrity and unwavering commitment to those he loved.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Manasse, of Sharon; his brothers, Edward Walter “Butch” Manasse of Parrish, Fla. and Warren Prindle of Sharon; brother- and sister-in-law David and Jean Lichtel of Lakeland, Fla., sister-in-law, Amy Lichtel of Berkley, MI, and brother-in-law Patrick Lichtel of Dalton, Mass., and his cherished nieces and nephews, Christine Manasse, Edward Alvin Manasse, Stuart Prindle, Tahlia Prindle and Ethan William Prindle.
Calling hours were held at the Kenny Funeral Home, 41 Main St., Sharon. A private burial for the family will take place at the Ellsworth Burial Ground.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. For more information, contact Warren Pindle at 860-364-0535.
