Michael John Mann

Dr. Michael John Mann, 86, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away Thanksgiving morning surrounded in love with his two daughters at his side who adored him. A gentle, kind and humble man—he never viewed his own accomplishments as anything extraordinary, instead preferring to be known simply as Dad or Grandad.

Born March 12,1939 in Norwich, Connecticut, Michael spent his childhood years moving around several states and living with family at their farm in Canada. Many of his most cherished memories came from his time spent working at Maple Leaf Farm. He went to high school in Coral Gables, Florida where he was one of the top athletes for the state in track and field. He remained an athlete his entire life, including throughout college, and would run the local track near his home every day, with his black dress socks still on, much to his wife and children's dismay. Several of his grandchildren played sports at local area high schools and he would enjoy showing up to their practices to run the track with them and their teammates, who all referred to him as grandad, and would race him every time—much to his delight.

After high school, Michael received his B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Florida, before joining the United States Air Force as an officer. Originally joining to become a fighter pilot, he quickly discovered that he remained more interested in design. Rising to the position of Captain, he worked as an aeronautical engineer at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio where his research in hypersonic aerodynamics produced numerous publications. He received his Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering at Ohio State University in 1970.

From 1970 until his retirement, Michael was employed at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. A member of the National Transonic Facility Aerodynamics Branch, his research included theoretical and experimental studies related to the design and analysis of transonic wings with particular emphasis on improved transonic maneuver performance of tactical aircraft. After retirement. he spent the next twenty years traveling the country with his wife to countless museums and libraries to research his book “The North American Locomotive: A Revolution in Transportation", which earned him the title ‘train dad” from all his grandchildren. His book was painstakingly researched, written and completed before his passing, and will be published posthumously.

Academic and athletic accolades were of no relevance to him when he ushered a young woman named Hazel Dudgeon to her seat for a wedding. She was the best friend of the bride, and he was best friends with the groom. He described it as immediate love at first sight, and they remained the truest of companions and deeply in love for over 60 years. They would go on to have three children, which he would tell absolutely everyone were his greatest joys and accomplishments. Never missing ballet, football, boy scouts, gymnastics, swim meets, equestrian competitions, band or any activity that his children were involved in, Michael was even more involved as a grandad of seven, attending all of their events and being the best cheerleader from the sidelines.

A humble, sweet and dedicated man, active in his church and community, his gentle presence will be greatly missed. Preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Dudgeon Mann, and his son, Timothy Jack “TJ” Mann; he is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Mann Judd (Daniel) and Karen Mann Schell (Jeffrey); and seven grandchildren: Jenna Smith, Miles Schell, Elizabeth Schell, Cameron Judd, Susan Schell, Kelsey Judd and Andrew Schell; as well as three great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Michael on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 11 AM to 1:00 PM at the First Colony Clubhouse, 125 Pasbehegh Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.