Dennis R. Manning, 75

Dennis Raymond Manning, of Sanbornton, passed away on Feb. 10, 2025, at Concord Hospital in Concord, after a period of unwellness.

Dennis was born Sept. 10, 1949, in Laconia, to Raymond H. and Mary (née Nudd) Manning of Tilton. Though he resided in Sanbornton for the last 25 years, his roots were deeply anchored in Tilton where he grew up and raised his family. Dennis made numerous friends along the way, maintaining strong relationships with them throughout the years.

For several years Dennis ran the scales and front office of Tilton Sand & Gravel alongside running a side hustle from his School Street home. Dennis was essentially the “Picnic Table King” of the Lakes Region, producing quality tables for residents and businesses. He took immense pride in his design, as they could not be tipped — no matter how many people sat on one side. Many other wood projects came out of his garage, with his baby cradles being a fan favorite.

Dennis’ side hustle paved the way for establishing Manning Brothers Wood Products with his brother Wayne Manning in 1985. Manning Brothers supplied WATTS Regulator in Franklin, for over 35 years with finest quality “specialty shipping crates.” Dennis was always quick to correct anyone who referred his business as “the pallet shop.” He grew the business from its small roots in Loudon, moving it to Northfield in 1989. The shop was sold and Dennis retired full-time just three years ago. Even in retirement, you could still find Dennis at Pauli’s lunch counter enjoying a big bowl of soup.

In 1991, Dennis was raised as a master mason at King Solomon’s Lodge No. 14 A.F & A.M. and 32nd degree Scottish rite mason with the Valley of Concord. He walked the hot sands, becoming a noble with the Shriners of Bektash Temple in Concord, in 1992. These memberships had Dennis traveling the state, working events and promoting the philanthropic ethos of the organizations.

Dennis is survived by his wife Elizabeth; son Dennis (Jane); daughter Tammy (Darrin); stepson Scott; stepdaughters Stephanie (Richard) and Kelly (John); grandchildren Drew, Cooper, Blaine, John, Kevin, Jason, Montanna, Savannah and Sierra; great-grandchildren Aubrey, Amelia, Isla and Aurora; and brother Wayne (Sharon).

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Shriner’s Hospitals.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Smart Memorial Home, 584 W. Main St., Tilton. A celebration of Dennis’s life will follow at 2 p.m. at the Memorial Home. Burial will be in the spring in Oakland Cemetery in Meredith.

For more information or to leave the family an online condolence, visit smartmemorialhome.com.