C. Curtis Mann

Charles Curtis Mann passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his mother and step father, Maxine and Clifton Blake, his father, Charles Mann, and brother, Gene Mann. He is survived by his loving wife, Vera, whom he was married to for 63 years. He was blessed with five devoted children: Curt Mann (Julie), Sheila Hinton (Derek), Judith Hudak (Stephen), Darin Mann, and Stephanie Chambers (Byron); 12 grandchildren: Matt, Connor, Jeremy, Gavin, Sean, Sara, Zack, Lauren, Josh, Nicole, Justin and Trevor; and half-sister, Bettye Shapard.

He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, and later earned his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University. He worked for Boeing in the Aerospace Program as weapons systems instructor on the Minute Man Missile. While with Boeing, he volunteered to transfer to New Orleans to work at NASA’s Michoud Facility. As a Boeing contractor, he worked on the Saturn V Rocket Booster that propelled the Apollo 11 astronauts to the moon. After Boeing, he began his career with the City of New Orleans in Safety and Permits. He was soon promoted to Chief Mechanical Inspector and finally Chief Building Official, until his retirement after 40 years of service. Curtis was instrumental in New Orleans adopting the Southern Building Code of which he was a board member and eventually New Orleans adopted the International Building Codes. Because of his dedication to public safety, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Engineering Society for distinguished service in management by an engineer.

In 2013, the Curtis Mann Award was created by the Building Officials Association of Louisiana (BOAL) to honor building officials exemplifying the highest standard of integrity and professionalism, accomplishments and achievements in code enforcement.

Curtis enjoyed promoting New Orleans, helped with the World's Fair, and the safety and inspection of the Superdome. He considered himself a Goodwill Ambassador for the city sending hot sauces and Cajun care packages to many people. He welcomed board members to the area by taking them to his favorite restaurants. He always had a generous supply of Little Debbie snack cakes and other treats for all in Safety and Permits to enjoy.

He was an avid model train collector, and loved sharing his passion for trains with others. He converted to Catholicism and joined the Knights of Columbus. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always enjoyed frequent family gatherings. With a gift of gab and the love he had for people, he could discuss almost anything with them. In later years with canes, walkers and wheelchairs, he still enjoyed his regular trips to casinos, church and breakfast with his wife, family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3101 Eton St. in New Orleans, on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 12:15PM. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00AM. A private interment will be held at All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery. Please follow COVID restrictions by wearing a face mask.

In lieu of flowers, Masses are preferred.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com