Seabrook police officers walked their beats Tuesday with heavy hearts due to the death of former chief Patrick Manthorn, who died Monday night following a sudden illness.
Manthorn, 62, a pancreatic cancer survivor, served 33 years in Seabrook Police Department before retiring in October 2012 due to health issues.
Deputy Police Chief Mike Gallagher said Manthorn was a “very big part” of the department and that officers and residents “are all going to miss” the “very dependable” and compassionate man.
“Pat kept a stern face, but he was actually a sensitive and caring person,” said Gallagher, who as a rookie in 1989 was trained by Manthorn. “I’ll never forget Pat. You always knew where you stood with Pat. He never gave you any guile. I think that’s a strong quality in a person.”
Manthorn served a tour in Vietnam in 1969 with the U.S. Marine Corps before bringing his military experience and leadership skills to the Seabrook Police Department in 1979, according to Gallagher. Manthorn also brought a “tongue-in-cheek” sense of humor, often threatening in jest to force his officers to work a “walking beat along Route 1″ any time they “ticked him off,” according to Gallagher.
“It was a running joke with Pat,” Gallagher said, “but I don’t think anyone did get the walking beat.”
A loving husband and father of three sons, Manthorn retired in October 2012 after several months of personal leave for health reasons.
Aboul Khan, the chairman of the Seabrook Board of Selectmen, said Manthorn was “really, really dedicated” to the town, the police department and to his family. That dedication, according to Khan, is something that “will be remembered” about Manthorn for “many, many years to come” and serve as a strong example for future employees of the town.
“I wish my condolences to his family and his loved ones,” Khan said. “I hope his family goes through this difficult time in the best way (they can) … He will be greatly missed.”
Gallagher said Manthorn was a “barrel of health” in recent months and days, which made his death — which, according to Gallagher, wasn’t related to pancreatic cancer — a painful “surprise” to those who knew the man.
“It’s the end of an era for the Seabrook Police Department,” Gallagher said. “He did serve the town faithfully for many, many years and he’ll always be a Seabrook resident.”
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Remick and Gendron Funeral Home at 811 Lafayette Road in Hampton. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish at 289 Lafayette Road in Hampton.
