John A. Mann ’44 *50

John died Sept. 19, 2004, in Yorba Linda, Calif., after battling cancer. He was 82.

"I was destined to be a Princetonian," he wrote in our 60th reunion directory, recalling being taken to Reunions since childhood by his father, Joseph F. Mann '11. John had planned on making our last one. His brothers were Robert C. Mann '42 and Joseph M. Mann '42 p'66, both deceased, and his cousin is Donald B. Allen '43.

In Geology 101, he met Professor Erling Dorf, who had an equal influence, attracting him into geology.

Born in Bloomfield, N.J., John prepped at Blair Academy. At Princeton, he was on the dean's list and a member of the wrestling squad, soccer squad, Glee Club, Westminster Society, and Charter Club. His roommates included Harry Willson and Lew Kraft.

After Pearl Harbor, he joined ROTC, graduated in 1943, and served stateside and in the Philippines. Discharged as a captain, he returned to Princeton, earning a master's in geology in 1949 and a doctorate in 1950. His 32-year career with Standard Oil of California concentrated on exploration for oil, and, later, organizing seminars for senior geologists. He retired in 1982.

We extend our sympathy to his wife of 62 years, Donna; their daughters Carol Mann, Barbara Burnett, and Pat Dawdy; and four grandsons.

The Class of 1944