David G. Maniero, 69, of Shrewsbury, died Thursday, January 15, 2015 in his home surrounded by his loving family after a long courageous fight with esophageal cancer for 6 years.

He leaves his best friend and loving wife of 36 year, Cathy A. (Wagner) Maniero; a son, David M. Maniero of Millbury; grandchildren, David II, Mason, Katelyn and her sister, Alexandra “Ally” whom David considered a granddaughter; two sisters, Joyce A. Hoglund and her husband, Richard and Sandra L. Paparella and her husband, Joseph all of Florida; his mother-in-law, Josephine A. Wagner of Shrewsbury; his sister-in-law, Patricia Gulbicki and her husband, William, of Auburn; his brother-in-law, Walter Wagner and his wife, Janet, of Shrewsbury; and several nieces and nephews.

He was born in Worcester, son of the Late George and Anita (Plaisance) Maneiro. He was a Shrewsbury resident for his entire life. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1964, where he was a stand-out athlete in baseball and football. He was a member of the Shrewsbury High School Gridiron Club and All Decade Team. David was a defensive-end for the semi-pro football team, the Marlborough Shamrocks from 1965 – 1975.

After high school, David worked as an iron worker for several years before he began working for the Town of Shrewsbury in the Water Department. He was a dedicated employee for 31 years, retiring in 2013 due to illness. David will be sorely missed by many, who lovingly referred to him as “Wavy” and “Cement Head”.

David continued his athletic lifestyle, throughout his life, by competing in several triathlons all over New England, running in two Boston Marathons and one Jimmy Fund walk. He also enjoyed gardening in his flower and vegetable gardens at his home. David loved spending time at the beach with family and friends.

A special Thank You to Dr. Brian Wolpin, Nina Grenon,NP and Katie Murphy, RN with whom he had many talks about their vegetable gardens. The family would like to Thank Dana Farber for all their kindness and support especially on Yawkey 7.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with David’s family on Monday, January 19, 2015 from 3 – 7 PM in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 with a funeral Mass celebrated at 10 AM at Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. You are kindly asked to go directly to church. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dave to Dr. Brian Wolpin c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or view www.dana-farber.org/gift.