Michael Mann

Michael Julian Mann was born in San Mateo on September 29, 1946, and adopted by Carl and Marcelle Mann. He loved visiting family in Santa Cruz and learning to cook from Pops Chartier. He earned a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1971, where he met his future bride. While working for General Electric (GE) Mike married Ruth Eagan in 1973. In 1977 he bought 20 acres in Gilroy, and in 1978 began planting his vineyard, building his home from a kit, and his first child was born. The eternal optimist, he nevertheless made good on his promises, and the family moved into the home he built in 1980.

Three days after he was laid off from GE in 1984, his second child was born. Mike earned his second master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University in 1994. In 1995, following a successful surgery for a brain aneurysm, he concentrated on the vineyard, selling grapes, and making custom crush arrangements to bottle wine under the Mann Cellars label. He actively worked his vineyard until his last illness.

At St Mary Church, Mike was a member of Knights of Columbus, chaired a group led by Father Michael Hendrickson inquiring into matters of faith and societal issues, and used his bass voice as the designated bull frog to anchor the choir.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, children Ariel (Matthew Williams) and Andrea (Jacob Wright), and six grandchildren: Christian Amado, Julian and Adeline Wright, Kaylee Holm, Necia and Adeja Williams.

Mass will be at St. Mary Church in Gilroy, 10am on Wednesday May 20th. Following mass will be a graveside service at St. Mary’s cemetery. At 1pm, there will be a celebration of life at Old City Hall in the patio area. We request that guests wear their bright and floral best, as Mike loved his floral shirts that had so many flowers they needed to be watered.