Michael Mann

Rensselaer-Michael Francis Mann a lifetime resident of Rensselaer won his fight with illness on October 7, 2024, and entered eternal life on his terms and in his fashion.

Michael, or Mike as he was more commonly known, was the son of Olive (McDonald) and Charles Mann and kid brother to Ernie Mann. At a young age he got into mischief including egging his own home because he wanted to know what would happen and backing his mother's car into a neighbor's driveway at the age of 2! He kept everyone in his life on their toes at all times. What he would do or say at any moment was unpredictable, making him the life of the party in any room he entered.

Before being paid to respond to the city's emergencies Mike spent some time at his alma mater alongside his idol and big brother. While Ernie taught Art, Mike made sure the classrooms and halls were clean, making it the second and final time the Mann brothers occupied Rensselaer High.

Mike's boyhood dream was to join and serve on the Rensselaer Fire department and he began pursuing this dream on his big wheel. Following the neighborhood Pumper 4 around from call-to-call Mike's love for the fire service kindled early. Joining the department at his earliest opportunity as a volunteer, Mike served on the engine he spent years chasing before finally joining the paid roster for the city. During his time driving his beloved engine Mike had delivered more than three babies and saved over six people with CPR. A proud member of the local IAFF 2643 he also served as union president. He lent his talent to the Rensselaer County Bureau of Emergency Services (now the Bureau of Public Safety) as Deputy Fire Coordinator for almost a decade where he coordinated the response of the RFD with mutual aid companies. Once retired Mike served as a safety officer ensuring everyone was accounted for and going home safely to their families at the end of each fire. At the time of his passing Mike had served over 50 years with Chemical and Hose Company No.4, the company he never stopped chasing.

He was an avid railroad enthusiast and a lover of the Wizard of Oz, both of which he had an encyclopedic knowledge and was always prepared to have a long conversation about. Mike and Ernie often went train watching enjoying the scenic drives and reminiscing on their boyhoods and their father who worked on the railroad their entire lives. In addition, he was proud of his Irish heritage and a former member of the Yankee Doodle Band where he played the drums, passing his love for the instrument and music to his son. He was a lifetime fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed watching and attending games, although he often said no one played the game like the great Bambino. He was also made an Honorary Member of the City of Rensselaer Police Department.

Mike was welcomed into eternal life by his parents, uncle Pat, sister-in-law Jan, and cherished pets Bernie and Jessie. He now watches over his wife of over thirty-six years Lori, his son who he considered to be his greatest joy and accomplishment in life Danny (Ashley), his first grandson Tommy, his unborn grandchild due in January affectionately known as Clipper, his big brother Ernie, nephew Steve (Meg), niece Ellen (Colin), great nephew Michael Mann, great nieces Molly Mann, Bianca, and Maya Santana as well as a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, October 16th from 4-7 pm at W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. Funeral from the funeral home at 9am to the Church of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph's with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Mike will take one last ride through his favorite city before being put to rest with his parents at Bloomingrove Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Mike's memory to All Bassetts Cherished (ABC) Bassetts Rescue, P.O. Box 272, Buffalo, NY 14225 OR http://ww.nybasset.org