McMANUS, L. Brian "B-Mac" L. Brian McManus "B-Mac" a Delta Air Lines International Captain based at JFK, passed away at his home in Westbrook last Friday. Brian was born in Chicago, the eldest child of Lois Meidinger McManus and Lee James McManus. Following high school Brian attended Boston College for one year before becoming a member of the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame where he played rugby. While at Notre Dame, he completed the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course, and upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He reported to active duty at the Corp's Basic School in Quantico, VA before heading to Primary Flight Training at NAS Pensacola, FL in January, 1982. Brian was subsequently selected for jet training, which he completed at NAS Kingsville, TX. He pinned on his Naval Aviator wings on July 16, 1983. As a First Lieutenant, he reported to MCAS Yuma, AZ for qualification in the F-4 Phantom II with the VMFAT-101 "Sharpshooters". In August, 1984, as a fully qualified Marine Corps fighter pilot, he began his first fleet assignment with VMFA-312 at MCAS Beaufort, SC. While assigned as the Logistics Officer for the "Checkerboards," Brian participated in an extensive Western Pacific deployment to Japan, Korea, Okinawa, and the Philippines. During the squadron's tour of the Western Pacific, Brian's hard work and dedication to our country were recognized when he was promoted to Captain. In March, 1986, Brian transferred to NAS Kingsville, TX to serve as a flight instructor in the T-2C Buckeye with the "Professionals" of VT-23. After proudly serving his country for several years, Brian began his career as a pilot for Delta Air Lines on February 20, 1987. During his career at Delta, Brian flew the B-727, L-1011, B-737 and the B757/767 as an International Captain. At Delta, Brian actively served his profession as a leader of the Air Line Pilots Association International. He was elected to two terms as a union representative while based in Miami and another two terms while based in New York. Brian also served as the chairman of the union's Membership Committee and most recently as the chairman of the Stock Advisory Committee. Brian is survived by his mother Lois; brother, Curtis; two children, Devin, 16, and Kerry, 14, and his former wife, and lifelong friend, Selma McManus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on TODAY June 4, at 10 a.m. in St. John's Church Main Street Old Saybrook. Please visit www.mem.com to leave an online condolence or tribute. The Swan Funeral Home 1224 Boston Post Road Old Saybrook has charge of the arrangements.
