Michael (Mike) C. Mannix, 76, passed away unexpectedly on August 27, 2024. Born September 23, 1947 in Holyoke, MA to the late Michael Emmett Mannix and Helen Hearn Mannix, Mike broke the mold with his sense of responsibility and steadfast character; Irish stubbornness didn’t miss him either. Collectively, these traits made him a force to be reckoned with. Mike graduated from Holyoke Catholic High School, Class of ‘65, and later obtained a degree in Labor Economics and Industrial Relations from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Mike’s friends and adversaries (throwback to his political days) alike knew he wouldn’t hesitate to stand up for what he believed. He used to say, “the right thing to do during trying times will not always be the most popular.” Mike’s dedication to doing the right thing led him to join the U.S. Army, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, in 1967. He proudly served as a Medic in the Vietnam War from March 1968 to August 1970, during which he earned a Bronze Star Medal and Merit Award. Mike was hardworking, generous, and relentlessly supportive of his family and friends. He adored spending time with his grandchildren who fondly knew him as ‘Pops.’ He was a master of routines. Yet, as a jokester who would disguise his voice to make prank calls, he could be spontaneous. He appreciated good food and drinks; over time, his occasional Miller Lites were replaced with red wine, “for health” of course. As a sports enthusiast, Mike’s loyalty to both the Red Sox and Notre Dame ran deep. He enjoyed many memorable—and some may say, raucous—trips with his buddies to Notre Dame. He will no doubt be heard from the heavens yelling “Go Irish” whenever Notre Dame comes on t.v. Mike was a leader with many accomplishments. He retired from a lengthy career with the United States Postal Service where he began as a letter carrier and finished as Postmaster (of Springfield, MA). He served as a past president of the Holyoke Board of Aldermen, Holyoke Soldiers’ Home board member, and Treasurer of the 35th Infantry Regiment (“The Cacti”). That said, being a devoted Red Sox fan, one of his proudest moments was throwing the ceremonial first pitch during the August 3, 2011 Red Sox game at Fenway. After decades of hard work, Mike thoroughly enjoyed retirement, whether it was spending time with family and friends, traveling with his wife, or simply going about his daily routine at home. Mike explored quite a few places: Ireland, Italy, France, Portugal, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Mexico, Canada, Aruba, and Hawaii. He particularly enjoyed the Normandy Museum, Moulin Rouge, Liverpool Beatles Tour, and Belfast Tour. Several winters in Delray Beach, FL fulfilled his love for restaurants and the beach. As for cruises, Mike decided to stick to rivers after experiencing an Alaskan cruise where the ship nearly capsized. Mike will be deeply missed by many: his wife Cathy Doling Mannix; three children Michael C. Mannix, Jr. (wife Bonnie), Timothy Mannix, and Margaret Mannix; three stepchildren whom he loved as his own Andrew Clark (wife Hannah), Kaitlin Foppiano (husband Dan), and Megan Kissane (husband Matt); nine grandchildren (Kayden, Mikey, Emma, Liam, Nora, Rosie, Julia, Esme, and Leo); niece Leah Rauch; nephews Tommy and Ryan Sheehan; and lifelong friends Tom Sheehan and Elmer McMahon. Mike was predeceased by his sister Margaret Mannix Rauch, and lifelong friend Mike Lavelle. A Service will be held Thursday, September 5th at 9:30 a.m. in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Committal with United States Army Honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Sept. 4th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.