The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners paused its July 15 meeting to honor the life and service of longtime resident and community volunteer Manly H. Offutt Jr., who died July 2 at age 85.

Board President Jacob Roth remembered Offutt as a familiar and respected presence at township meetings for more than three decades. “Manly attended nearly every Board of Commissioners meeting,” Roth said. “His commitment and knowledge were unparalleled.” Greenawalds Fire Chief Andrew Garger spoke about Offutt’s decades of service to the department and the broader community. Offutt joined Greenawalds Fire Company in 1983 and served for nearly 43 years. While many residents knew him as the neighborhood “Hoagie Man” because of his fundraising efforts, Garger said many of Offutt’s most important contributions happened behind the scenes.

According to Garger, Offutt played a key role in maintaining the accuracy of fire relief funding records and was known for carefully reviewing township meeting minutes, often identifying even the smallest errors. Garger also recalled Offutt’s unwavering weekly routine. “Every Sunday at exactly 1:14 p.m., my phone would ring,” Garger said, noting Offutt’s regular reminder to sign fire relief association checks.

Beyond his service to the fire company, Offutt volunteered extensively throughout the community. He was active through his church, Meals on Wheels, local election polling places, the Lehigh Valley Zoo and numerous civic organizations.

Garger described Offutt as “one of the greatest patriots I have ever had the privilege to know.” Commissioners and attendees observed a moment of silence in Offutt’s memory.

The recognition highlighted Offutt’s long-standing commitment to public service, volunteerism and civic engagement, leaving a legacy that township officials and community members said will not soon be forgotten.