Russell W. Mann

Russell W. Mann, 73, of Southington, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 surrounded by his family. He had been the loving husband of Wanda (Burrill) Mann who he considered his best friend. They enjoyed 48 years of marriage together. Russell was born in Southington on May 22, 1949 to the late Halsey and Emma (Casale) Mann. He was the largest baby ever born at Bradley Memorial Hospital weighing 12 lbs. 8 oz. He had been a lifelong Southington resident.  He owned and operated R. Mann Foundation Company for over 40 years. He later worked at NBT where he developed many friendships.  

Russ proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a combat veteran for the 3^rd Battalion, 1^st Infantry of the 11^th Light Infantry Brigade. He was a platoon sergeant during the 68 Tet Offensive. He was also a platoon leader. For his service he received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

Russell was a caring man who impacted the lives of so many people. He valued friends and family. He had a tough-looking exterior, but once you spent a few minutes with him you’d realize that he had a heart of gold and was a highly sensitive and intuitive man. He was proud to be the father of four girls and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was always eager to dole out quick witted wisdom and advice to anyone he cared for. He easily connected with others. There is no place Russ ever went where he didn’t see someone he knew. 

Russ will be remembered most of all for his sense of humor. He had an anecdote for everything and a nickname for everyone. He loved to banter. If Russ was in the room, you were guaranteed to be laughing.

In addition to his wife Wanda, Russ is survived by 4 daughters: Micaela Refici and husband Brian of West Hartford, Rebecca Mann and husband Justin Gilbert of Northfield, Angela Jankowski and husband Jeremy of Amston and Pamela Nolan and husband Cooper of Farmington and 9 grandchildren; William, BJ, Nathan, Allison, Abel, Harper, Sawyer, Penelope and Weston. He is also survived by 3 sisters; Cynthia Allen of E. Lyme, Janet Mann of Colorado and Alyce Mann of Southington; one brother, Frank Mann of Southington and many nieces and nephews. Russ was predeceased by one brother, Halsey Mann Jr. and his good friend Richie Sito.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Russ’s memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org/).

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday July 12, 2022 at the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday July 11, 2022 at Plantsville Funeral Home 975 S. Main St. Plantsville, CT. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.