Robert Manchester, 80, of Wilmette, a Chicago native and former vice president of the First National Bank of Chicago, died Tuesday in the Hospice of the North Shore at Evanston Hospital. As a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Manchester was decorated for his action in a raid on Choiseul Island in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, Manchester joined the bank, where his career spanned 35 years. When he retired in 1980, Manchester was vice president and secretary. Born in Chicago, Manchester earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois in 1938 and his juris doctorate from the university’s law school in 1940. He remained active with his alma mater, serving as treasurer of the board of trustees for 17 years. Manchester was also a racing fan and president of the Arlington Park Post and Paddock Club for two years. He supported several charities, and his most recent position was on the board of directors of the University of Illinois Eye Fund. Mr. Manchester is survived by his wife, June; two sons, Robert Jr. and Richard; one daughter, Debra; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services were held Thursday in Wilmette.
