Charles “Charlie” McManus, 71, of Vero Beach, Florida, and formerly Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 10, 2025, after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

Above all else, Charlie cherished his family. He was an utterly devoted husband, a deeply loving father, and a loyal friend. He had an easy warmth and lighthearted humor that drew people in, making friends for life and winning people’s hearts with his generous spirit and graciousness.

Charlie was born on December 9, 1954, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Charles Sr. and Rose Mary McManus, and grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts. There, he developed both strong mechanical aptitude and notable athletic talent, becoming a star lacrosse player at Brookline High School. He was recruited by the U.S. Military Academy and attended preparatory training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, followed by two years at West Point. He later had a brief stint as a professional lacrosse player with the Brine Lacrosse Club. Charlie completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

Charlie is survived by his beloved family: his wife of 47 years, Rebecca (Becky) Peters McManus; his son, Ian McManus, daughter-in-law Victoria, and granddaughter Aurielle of Cheltenham, England; his daughter, Aria McManus of New York City; his sister, Charlotte McManus Adams of Holden, Massachusetts; and many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

Charlie fell in love with Becky the night they met, the same day she had completed her studies at Smith College. He soon followed her to her home state of Minnesota, where they built a life together in Saint Paul, balancing careers with raising their children. As a father, Charlie was an enthusiastic presence—supporting Ian’s chess, tennis and swimming pursuits and Aria’s gymnastics, basketball, and swimming endeavors, always emphasizing that enjoyment mattered more than competition. Fun and laughter were central to family life in the McManus home.

Charlie began his career in scientific instrumentation, which led to the development of his own wind tunnel manufacturing businesses serving research programs across government, academia, and the private sector. He later joined forces with entrepreneur son Ian’s web development business—eventually acquiring and continuing to run the company. Charlie had a remarkable ability to envision possibilities and the passion and discipline to make them real, whether inventing new products, restoring a historic home, or developing problem-solving software. His love of learning was a constant throughout his life.

In midlife, Charlie became an avid and skilled golfer, seeking out the training of an acclaimed coach to learn the game “the right way.” He loved playing with friends until injuries from a car accident eventually required him to give it up. He later found joy in cruising on a motorcycle with his wife and friends through countrysides and across the country. Upon moving to Florida in retirement, Charlie rekindled his deep love of the ocean—spending many days strolling the beach or simply taking in the beauty and rhythms of the surf.

Charlie faced the end of his life with grace, courage, humor, and the deep love of those closest to him. In his final days, he was able to say goodbye to family and close friends and take in the beach one last time. He passed peacefully, holding Aria’s hand, the day after his 71st birthday.

Charlie will be remembered for the way he cared for others. From a young age, he stood up for those who needed defending, and throughout his life he treated those he encountered with fairness, kindness, and respect—and often with a well-timed dash of humor. Even during illness, he never failed to express appreciation for those caring for him, earning him a special place in their hearts.

The family invites all who knew Charlie to remember him for his thoughtfulness, integrity, and the joy he brought to the lives of those he touched. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County.