George Edward Manger, Jr.
Dr. George Edward Manger, a dedicated physician, accomplished athlete, and passionate community leader, passed away on July 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of profound care, service, and love.
Born to the late G. Edward Manger (1902-1975) and Corine D. Manger (1904-1997), George grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland. His childhood in the late 1950s and 1960s provided an idyllic environment that shaped his early life and instilled a lifelong love for his home state.
During his adolescence, George discovered a deep obsession with athletics. Though he initially preferred baseball, his impressive height naturally guided him toward basketball. He attended the Landon School in Bethesda, MD, graduating in 1961. At Landon, George thrived in the rigorous, small-class academic environment alongside a cohort of exceptionally gifted classmates. His natural athletic talents earned him prestigious All-Met honors in both football and basketball.
George continued his education at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, from 1961 to 1965, where he majored in History with a minor in English. While a high school shoulder injury unfortunately hampered his collegiate athletic career, his intellectual curiosity never wavered. Driven by a desire to help others, George pivoted from his humanities background to medicine, earning his medical degree from Howard University in Washington, DC, between 1967 and 1971.
Drawn by a lifelong desire to live in California, George moved west to pursue his specialty training. He completed a one-year internship in Long Beach, followed by three years of specialized residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Davis, from 1973 to 1975.
Family duty called George back to Maryland in 1975 to support his mother during his father’s severe illness. Upon his return, he joined the medical practice of Dr. John Turco of Hagerstown, MD. In 1981, George established his own private practice, which grew into a thriving cornerstone of local healthcare. Over the course of his distinguished career, he brought more than 6,500 children into the world and performed countless gynecological procedures. He transitioned out of obstetrics in 2004, enjoying the collaboration of a group practice until his well-deserved retirement in 2016. Even in retirement, he always kept his pulse on the medical world.
Outside of medicine, George was a man of diverse passions. He spent countless hours collecting classical antiques, with a particular expertise in Philadelphia and Boston Chippendale pieces, historic textiles, and Shenandoah pottery. Together with his beloved wife, Constance G. Manger, he embarked on many wonderful travel adventures. He was also a long-time member of the Fountain Head Country Club, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of close friends.
George was deeply invested in his community and thoroughly enjoyed working alongside so many wonderful people. He served with distinction as the President of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and gave his time to the Washington County Free Clinic. He was also a steadfast supporter of The Maryland Theatre, Hagerstown Community College, and the ARC of Washington County.
He is survived by his stepson, David Lovell, granddaughter, Katie Lovell, adored niece Jessica DeCesare, and special friends, The Andrews Family, and a community that will forever be grateful for his healing hands, leadership, and generous spirit.
Services will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM from First Christian Church 1345 Potomac Avenue, Hagerstown, MD with the Rev. Dr. James R. Brooks officiating.
Family will receive friends immediately following the service at Fountain Head Country Club 13316 Fountain Head Road, Hagerstown, MD.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA), 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or to The Maryland Theatre, 21 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740.