Manning O. Cox, age 93, of Trumbull, avid golfer and friend to Little Leaguers & scholastic hoopsters throughout the Metro Bridgeport area, died peacefully in the early morning of August 6, 2017 in his home.

Manning was born in Bridgeport, CT to the late James Cox and Rose Keenan Cox.  He was a 1942 graduate of Bassick High School, and a Navy veteran of the Second World War -- a 'plankowner' and radio operator on the USS Yorktown (CV-10) that conducted 41 separate air operations throughout the Pacific from early 1943 through the end of the war, traversing the International Date Line & the equator at least 25 times.  Upon returning to the Bridgeport area after the war, Manning performed as a singer at Bridgeport-area clubs, most notably with the Joey Zelle Band at the Ritz Ballroom. He was a retired engineer at Singer, Dictaphone, Norden, Bullard, and Alco Standard.

Manning was an avid & accomplished golfer who shot his age or better more than 50 times.  He was a lifelong fixture at local golf courses; first at Fairchild Wheeler, and then later at Tashua Knolls.  At age 80, he won the 70-years-old-and-over New England Legends Tournament, shooting a 76.  He was a Trumbull Little League coach, and is well-remembered for singing the National Anthem as the Little League's Opening Day Master of Ceremonies for 15 years.   He was well-known to basketball players throughout the Bridgeport metro-area who frequented the North End (Bpt.) Boys Club & Wilmot courts throughout the 1970's.

In short, Manning never turned down a friend in need, courageously stood between trouble and young people who were his responsibility to safeguard, and never raised a hand in anger to anyone who didn't have it coming.  He was hard-working, a faithful husband, and good father.  That's a good epitaph for any man.

Manning was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Irene Pak Cox, and his sister Marjorie Cox.  He is survived by his three children -- John M. Cox and his wife Linda of Rosenberg, TX, Patricia Sousa and her husband Arthur of Wallingford, CT, David Cox of Trumbull -- with whom he resided. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren- Christopher Sousa, Matthew Sousa and Alicia (Sousa) Williams.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Road, Trumbull, on Thursday, August 10th, between 4:00pm & 8:00pm, and to attend his St. Theresa Church (5301 Main Street, Trumbull) service on Friday at 9:00am.  Interment at St. Michael's Cemetery will immediately follow.

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