Wesley Robert Mannell

Wesley Robert Mannell (April 1, 1937 – September 9, 2023). Wesley was born in Manhattan, New York to Jane (nee Wesley) and Bernarr Austin Mannell, who emigrated from England and Canada, respectively. Raised in the city, he grew up in Fort Washington, close to the famed Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge.

A graduate of the City College of New York and Sergeant in the US Army Reserves, Wes’s career ambitions and technical skills brought him to General Foods in Tarrytown, NY where he met his future wife, Hertha Straka. Married in 1965, Wes and Hertha adopted two children at birth: Matthew in 1968 and Maryann in 1973. Active members and Eucharistic ministers at the parish of St. Peter the Apostle, they raised their family in River Edge, NJ until his retirement in 1995. Wes spent his entire 35-year career with General Foods as a Chemical Technician, and was part of the lab that did late-stage development of Pop Rocks in the mid 1970’s. Bringing home samples of the fizzy candy before it was commercially available, certainly made Matthew popular at school and around the block.

After their time in River Edge, Wes and Hertha spent their early retirement years in Fort Pierce, FL before escaping the heat and hurricanes for Loveland, CO in 2002. Friends and blizzards eventually prompted a return to the Gulf coast of Spring Hill FL in 2014. In retirement, Wes enjoyed travel – especially cruises – but his true calling was prolific talent for working with his hands, creating model train landscapes, stained glass sculptures, woodcarving, and woodburning art. Wes and Hertha continued to be active in the Catholic community along the way, well into their 80’s.

Wes is predeceased by Hertha, his wife of 58 years, and his parents Jane and Bernarr. He is survived by his younger brother Bernarr Mathew Mannell, son Matthew and his wife Lara, daughter Maryann Morgan and her husband Bill, and three grandchildren who adored him: Billy Morgan (20), Xaia Mannell (13), and Axton Mannell (10).

You are missed, grandpa. It went way too fast.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycock-hillcrest.com for the Mannell family.