William Michael Mann

William Michael Mann, Sr., a lifelong resident of New Orleans, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Monday, July 2, 2018, at the age of 66. He was born on January 21, 1952 to Mildred Wiles Mann and Dr. Arthur Seldon Mann. He was the devoted husband of Linda Eckstein Mann and proud father of William Michael Mann, Jr and Matthew Lee Mann (Renee). He was a loving grandfather to Madison Lee Mann and Amelie Michelle Mann and step-grandfather to Gabrielle Elizabeth Crasto and Kevin Michael Crasto. He is survived by his four siblings, Arthur Seldon Mann, III (Lynn), Thomas Clifford Mann (Barbara), Joseph Sanders Mann (Linda), and Linda Mann Macaluso (Frank). He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ernestine Lehman Eckstein and her late husband, Robert, and brother-in-law Michael Lehman Eckstein (Kathleen). Additionally, Mike was the beloved uncle and great uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was a student at Holy Name of Jesus School and Jesuit High School, where he was a member of the historic 1968 undefeated Junior Varsity Basketball Team. Mike, teammates, and coaches recently commemorated their season's 50th anniversary. He later transferred to De La Salle High School and graduated in 1970. He entered Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and was an active member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. There, he honed his hospitality skills; the party was never far from Mike. Many friends fondly recall his role as unofficial band leader in the student section of Tiger Stadium, directing the crowd in the National Anthem.

He pursued a degree in Business and Economics. Following college, he entered the employee benefit broker / consultant profession. For ten years, Mike served as Managing Vice President and Senior Benefit Consultant in the New Orleans and Houston Offices of the Alexander Consulting Group. He was a founding partner of Eustis Benefits, LLC, where he was currently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. He holds membership in the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, Member for the Council of Employee Benefits Executive Board, New Orleans Life Underwriter’s Association, National Association of Health Underwriters, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, Society of Human Resource Managers, and World at Work, Louisiana Legislative Advisory Council, Benefit Advisors Network, and is a former member of multiple carriers’ Broker Advisory Councils. He was also an active member of the Principals Council of the National Association of Health Underwriters, where he consulted with various regulatory agencies dealing with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Mike spoke at numerous seminars across the country, most recently presenting on Healthcare Reform and its impact on employers and employees.

Mike and Linda were happily married over four decades. True companions, they spent time together relaxing in their backyard, trying new recipes, hosting friends and family, and traveling. Their dedication to their boys was unwavering, evidenced by decades in bleachers, supporting their sons' numerous teams and befriending fellow parents. Later in life, Mike discovered a passion for photography. His images of friends and family, vacations, and nature's beauty filled the pages of hardcover books, volumes of his life's adventures and pleasures. Mike enjoyed life's everyday gifts; walking the dogs at sunrise, outdoor athletic events, watching his granddaughters perform, and spending holidays with family. He loved watching the evening news with a Gin Martini. He possessed a quick wit, a short temper, and a determined resolve. He was a humble leader and a loyal friend. He enjoyed a perfectly grilled hot dog, the Dallas Cowboys, barbeque, and weekly Sunday night dinners with family. Mike will be remembered for his generous spirit, warm nature, and genuine kindness.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the William Fitzgerald Fund for Athletic Endowment at Isidore Newman School, the Tulane Athletic Fund (Baseball), or a charity of your choice. Visitation will be held at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Thursday, July 5, 11am - 1pm, followed by a memorial service honoring his life.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.