Manson Phillips Hall

Manson Phillips Hall of Chatham, MA and Naples, FL passed away peacefully at age 92 on June 7, 2023 surrounded by family. Manson was a loving husband, father, and friend, as well as a lifelong educator whose impact was felt by all who knew him.

Manson was born November 5, 1930 in Newton, MA to Marion Manson Hall (Tibbott) and George Phillips Hall. He was raised with his sister, Sally, and brother, Dan, on West Newton Hill. He attended Newton schools, then high school at Governor Dummer Academy, and graduated from Amherst College in 1953. He celebrated his longtime friendships from those foundational communities, as evidenced by the fact that he planned and participated in his 70th college reunion just days before his passing. After college, Manson joined the army and served in Korea, before returning to the States and beginning his work towards a career in education. He earned a Master's Degree from Harvard University and a doctorate in education from Columbia University.

Manson married Merilyn Boyce in 1957, and they spent a year in Aleppo, Syria where he began teaching. Upon returning to the U.S, Manson taught high school history in New Canaan, Connecticut, but soon moved back to MA to teach at Newton North High School. He and Merilyn had five children. After Merilyn succumbed to cancer in 1967, Manson completed his doctorate and moved on to school administration.

In 1973, he married fellow educator, Alison Kenney Hall, with whom he shared 32 years and had one daughter. He became principal of Watertown High School in 1976, and often brought his children along to hockey games and other school events. After his retirement, he and Alison enjoyed travel to Africa, China, Russia, and Europe, as well as extended time in Vermont and Chatham, where they settled. Alison passed away in 2007.

Manson never stopped teaching and giving back to his community. Retirement for him meant working nights at the Pine Street Inn, a homeless shelter in Boston. A great source of pride for him was the opportunity of working for City Year/Boston as a team leader beginning in its inaugural year. He relished the chance to work again directly with young people. He mentored a diverse group of young corps members to develop leadership skills while working in underserved schools in the Boston area. In recent years, Manson tutored in local public schools, helping young, new immigrants and struggling students learn English and math or earn their GEDs.

Manson married Ann Ferguson in 2010, and they split their time between Chatham and Naples. They enjoyed spending holidays and summers with family and volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

Manson will be remembered for his enduring friendships and his love of people, his serious engagement with current issues and the twinkle in his eye. Ever the diplomat, he was an inspiring role model who lived fully and deliberately, balancing his idealism and passion for social justice with an enduring sense of humility and humanity. He loved to connect with people from all walks of life. Manson had a passion for reading and learning, particularly about history and how it shapes the present. He also loved sports and the outdoors: soccer, hockey, tennis, skiing, sailing. He played hockey well into his 80s, and tennis even longer, both in Naples and at the Chatham Beach and Tennis Club. He loved to sing and was a longtime member of the Highland Glee Club in Needham and more recently a barbershop quartet in Naples.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Ferguson, of Chatham and Naples, and by his children: Phil Hall and spouse Kelly Campbell of Jamaica Plain, MA, Catherine Green of Millis, MA, Scott Hall of Framingham, MA, Daniel Hall of Stoughton, MA, Thomas Hall and spouse Lisa Hall of Framingham, MA, and Carolyn Hall and spouse Chelsea Clark of Seattle, WA. In addition, he leaves grandchildren: Shannon, Scott, Emma, Elizabeth, Tyler, Kaylee, Siobhan, Conor, Daniel, Campbell, Eliza, June, and Samuel.

A memorial service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Manson's memory.