Peter John Mann

Peter John Mann was born on July 14, 1947 in East Meadow, New York to Martha Carter. Peter was raised by James and Virginia Dunn with his siblings Asenath (Sena) Anderson and David Mann and Reverend Philip Mann in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout his childhood Peter welcomed his younger siblings Darlene, Denise and Craven (Buddy) Page.

Peter attended Roslyn High School and graduated in 1967. Peter was a point guard on his high school basketball team and played football. During the height of the Vietnam War, Peter was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country from 1967 – 1972. In 1969, Peter was stationed in the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and then in the 101st Airborne Division, Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Acting Jack E-5. Peter received the National Defense Metal, Bronze Star, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal for 60 Device, and the Vietnam Service Metal. Peter was Honorably Discharged from the Army in 1972.

For 25 years, Peter worked for Deer Park Stairs in Bayport beautifying homes throughout the tri-state area until he retired in 2005. A true renaissance man, Peter welcomed opportunities to learn and to serve his community. He was an avid sports fan and supported his New York teams. Peter loved the sport of football and looked forward to the Super Bowl every year. Peter also enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing golf, and later watching cooking shows and political commentary. He was well versed on all issues of local and national politics and avidly followed Al Sharpton, and frequently quoted Dick Gregory and President Barack Obama. Peter was equally at ease listening to the golden era Motown groups like Ray Goodman and Brown, Bloodstone, The Isley Brothers as he was listening to Kem, Erkyah Badu or sitting on a lawn listening to the New York Philharmonic. Date nights for Peter and Debra often included attending live performances of Luther Vandross, The Whispers, Freddy Jackson, The Stylistics, his cousin and local talent.

Peter served his community by volunteering with the Board of Elections to protect everyone’s right to vote. He volunteered his time and raised money to support the National Kidney Foundation’s fight against kidney disease. Peter was a proud member of the VFW and frequently volunteered to help his fellow veterans. And, Peter was always only a phone call away to help a friend or family member in a bind.

Always sharp. Always well-tailored. From hat to to shoes or from cap to kicks, Peter’s taste in clothes was impeccable. No small detail was overlooked. Peter equally enjoyed cars and had a custom of blessing the new cars purchased by friends and family. His prayers would bring safe journeys for its occupants and good gas mileage.

But Peter is truly known for his love of his siblings, children, grand-children and his beloved wife, Debra. He proudly recounted the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren whenever possible. He would travel throughout the country and internationally to celebrate weddings, graduations, and the birthdays of his family members. And, any strangers he met along the way quickly became friends because of his welcoming demeanor.

Peter is preceded in death by his sister Asenath Anderson, and his brothers David and Philip Mann. Peter is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Debra; his children Sherena, Korey, Shannon, Peter Lamont (spouse: Lashawn), Shashawn (spouse: Ricky), Ashley, and Amber; his sisters Darlene and Denise; his brother Craven (Buddy); his grandchildren: Tyrus, Anthony, Terell, Maurice, James, Sarah, Jayden, Ricky, Trent, Janiya, and Logan; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other friends and relatives.

Submitted in love,

The Mann Family