Christopher M Mann of Montgomery, MA, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
There is a discipline of duty that shapes a life long after the uniform is set aside.
It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of Christopher Matthew Mann, who passed away on May 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Christopher was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, moved to Baldwinsville, New York, and later lived the remainder of his adult life in Montgomery, Massachusetts. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend whose warmth, humor, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He had a way of lighting up any room-quick with a joke, a story, or a familiar smile that put others at ease. Friendly and kind by nature, he could talk to anyone about anything. He took a genuine interest in people, remembering names, faces, and the stories that made each person unique. People mattered deeply to him, and he often told stories about friends from every chapter of his life, always recalling them by name. A proud Vietnam Era veteran who served in the United States Navy, Christopher lived a life rooted in service and integrity. He was a lifelong teacher in the Westfield Public Schools, where he taught industrial arts and United States history. He completed his undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Oswego and earned his master's degree in education at Westfield State University, sharing his knowledge, patience, and encouragement with generations of students. He was also a dedicated coach of youth sports, particularly soccer, known for his kind, strategic, and energetic approach. He brought out the best in those he coached, offering guidance that was both gentle and firm, and serving as a trusted mentor to many young people. Gifted with his hands, he was known for his ability to build, repair, and create. He took pride in renovating and caring for his home and was often the person family and friends turned to when something needed fixing. In his later years, he became an entrepreneur alongside his wife, Sandra, co-founding Sandmann Gifts, a crafting business where he created woodworking pieces and handmade items with care and skill. Beyond craftsmanship, he was also a builder of relationships, bringing people together and offering steady, generous support. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He especially valued sharing a good meal and a drink with friends. An avid hunter, he loved time spent in the field with his Springer Spaniels and was a proud member of the Western Massachusetts Bird Dog Club, where he helped build the organization's primary clubhouse. He was the beloved son of the late Dorothy Hansen Mann and Joseph Matthew Mann and maintained close bonds with his siblings and extended family throughout his life. He was also the proud godfather to David Capucilli. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Sandra Carroll Mann; his son, Benjamin Mann and his wife, Elaine Pescik Mann, and their children, Colton Mann and Kathryn Mann; and his daughter, Hilary Blair and her husband, Daíthì Blair, and their daughters, Mathilde Blair and Úna Blair. He is also survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends, all of whom will miss him greatly. Calling hours will be held at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085, on Friday, May 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Holy Family Parish, 5 Main Street, Russell, Massachusetts 01071, on Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
