Alfred O. Mann Jr., 86, of Haverhill, husband of the late Elizabeth (Esperian) Mann passed away Thursday, Sept. 4 at Merrimack Valley Hospice with his family and two grand dogs by his side.
Born in Lawrence, Dec. 9, 1928, he was the son of the late Alfred O. and Viola E. (Juenger) Mann. He graduated from Rollins Grammar School in 1942 and Lawrence High School, class of 1946. While in high school he was a member of the Grievance Committee, participating in issues with the school department and participating in various protests. He was a member of the Boy Scout Troop #2 at the German Presbyterian Church. During World War II he was part of the Civilian Defense Corp. where he served as a messenger to the head of the program, John Rettle, who was the fire chief at that time. His duties included carrying messages during mock raids and participating in scrap metal drives. Following his graduation from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Banks in Winthrop. Unfortunately because of a medical condition he was not able to continue to serve. He then was employed for the next two years at Watts Regulator Company in Lawrence in the shipping department.
In 1948 he was accepted to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, as a political science major. Mann enjoyed politics and followed current events, locally and nationally his entire life. While at Bowdoin he was on the Volley Ball team and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In 1952 he became a member of the college’s Young Republicans Club and went to the state Republican Conference. After graduation in 1952 he held several jobs, most important was Robert Hall Clothes, of the Bronx, N.Y., in management. He was also a graduate of Lee Real Estate Institute and held a broker’s license for many years in the Haverhill area. He was also a field representative for House Hold Corporation in the Lowell area, and a sales manager for Lawrence Wholesale Drug Company. In 1956 he joined Utica Mutual Insurance Company in Utica, N.Y. Mann was a former member of the Salvation Army and was a board member of the Haverhill Preservation Board.
In 1953 he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. They were married Nov. 24, 1956 and remained together for the next 53 years until her passing in 2010. He retired from Utica in 1989 after 33 years employed. Together with his wife they traveled, following big bands and jazz bands throughout New England. They enjoyed many vacations at Salisbury Beach and being an expert in American history he traveled to many battlefields throughout the United States. He enjoyed many rounds of spirited political conversations. He also enjoyed his beer, sports, especially golf and his favorite player, Tiger Woods.
Mann is survived by his children, Alfred O. Mann III and Stephanie E. Mann, and his grand dogs, Hannah and Teddy, all of Haverhill. He also leaves nieces, nephews and several cousins.
Friends and family are invited to call Wednesday 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will follow at funeral home at 8 p.m. Burial is private. The family thanks Merrimack Valley Hospice House. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843