Joseph A. Mann, Sr., 82, of Paris, passed away Friday, June 1, 2018, at Paris Regional Medical Center, at which time Bright-Holland Funeral Home received him into their care.

Mr. Mann was born March 7, 1928, in Passaic, New Jersey to Thomas and Rhodella Ellis Mann. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, during World War II, and in Korea. During which time he received the Purple Heart Medal. He dearly loved his family and enjoyed writing and playing dominos. He also loved sports and especially boxing. During the 1940’s he was a sparring partner for the great Joe Louis.

Preceding him in death were his brothers, Thomas, Charles, and John Mann; sisters, Sarah Mann, Frances Free, Margaret Thomas, Mable Jordan and Edith Walker; one daughter, Cynthia Veronica Mann and a granddaughter, Kalei Leeks.

Survivors include his children, Eddie of PA, Joseph Anthony Mann Jr. & wife, Stacey of PA, Carmen Mann of Astoria, NY, Milagros Mann Lee & husband, Andre of Rockaway Beach, NY, Thomas Henry Mann of Yonkers, NY, Catherine Rhodella Sosa & husband, Francisco of Astoria, NY, Lisa Mann Leeks & husband, Calvin of Paris, John Wesley Mann & wife, Ruthie of Paris, Michael Paul Mann & wife, Misty of Texarkana and Jennifer Mann Upchurch & husband, Yancy of Sherman; 38 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, George Walter Harris & wife, Doris of WV; sisters, Mary Mann & Barbara Mann of Passaic, NJ and Dorothy Mann Thorne of NJ, along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.