John R. Mannheim, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2022 in the presence of his beloved wife, Claire. He leaves his daughter Sidney and husband James, daughter Stacy and husband Ross, his brother Charles and wife Shirley, his brother Paul and wife Susan, as well as many nieces and nephews in our extended family.
John was a graduate of Amherst College and a fundraiser for the Class of 1953. He enjoyed the reunions and celebrations with many friends over the last 70 years. He also attended Andover Newton Seminary. John worked for the YMCA, taught at North Reading High School and negotiated teachers’ contracts for the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
From 1971 to 2001 John worked as a union negotiator for the Massachusetts Teachers Association. As an MTA advocate, John negotiated hundreds of teacher contracts and conducted organized campaigns to mobilize and activate teachers. He was a highly skilled negotiator who had the respect of both labor and management as a man with impeccable integrity. John was an inspirational and highly motivating force who played a major role in the growth of the teacher’s union movement in the northeast part of Massachusetts.
As a resident of Concord since 1976, John was a strong advocate for peace, justice and the environment. He was the first male member of the Concord Peace Vigil that began in 1991. Our banner read “We walk with those who suffer because of war”.
He was very active in the Cambridge branch of the Veterans for Peace and participated in all of their peace efforts beginning in 2003. John supported “grass roots actions for peace,” also based in Concord for many years.
He was an active member of CREW, “Citizens Research and Environmental Watch”. This local group challenged Nuclear Metals/Starmet to stop producing the depleted uranium penetrator that was used in all of the Gulf Wars and also used in Serbia. John helped CREW get the Starmet site declared a superfund site.
John so enjoyed his family and he always had humorous stories to tell his friends after the conclusion of the Concord Peace Vigil each Friday. He always had a smile on his face no matter how difficult the situation was for him. He loved the Cincinnati Reds and he also was a Boston Celtics fan.
His efforts and his energy will be missed by all of us.
John is a man who is easy for all of us to love.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held in the spring on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Parish (formerly St. Bernard’s Church), 12 Monument Square, Concord, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to a charity of your choice. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
John was my favorite teacher at NRHS. I became an educator as well. I also worked for him at Boxford Camp. I have only fond memories of him. Rest in peace.
Rest in Peace John. I was a negotiator for the AFT, your sister union. You did fine and worthwhile work your entire life. God Speed!
A very favorite teacher at NRHS.
I also enjoyed working at the camp in Boxford as Camp Nurse.
My condolences to his family.
Great teacher and track coach. Worked for him at Boxford Camp back in the late 60s. RIP John.
William Mackenzie
John was a track and cross country coach at NRHS. He left a lasting impression on me and I’m sure on everyone he coached.
I have fond memories of Mr. Mannheim as a fabulous history teacher.
Mr. Mannheim was one of the mentors who was instrumental in many, both young and older. While I did not have him as a teacher, his direction as the coach of both Cross Country and Track and Field honed many of the competitors’ character. His dedication directing the Boxford Camp through the North Bennett Street Industrial school made his service to the community year round. After his teaching career, laboring in the MTA as a valued advocate for professional betterment continued his mantra devoted to public service.
RIP Sir
Deepest condolences to his friends, coworkers and family.
Mr. Mannheim was a wonderful history teacher and was an important influence on my life. I fondly remember our days at Boxford Camp as well. My condolences to his family.
He is now resting in peace
Claire:
I be am so sorry to hear about the loss of John. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Cheryl Goldstein
John was a true gentleman who tried to make this world a better place for all.
Dearest Claire, Sydney and Stacey,
I send my warmest wishes for your peace and healing at this time of loss in your family. Losing John is so sad to me, because he has always held an important place in my heart as an amazing teacher and a generous mentor. Without him, my mom and I would not have had the support for me to complete the college admission process. He was a Godsend, and I am so grateful to have had him in my life. Sending my loving thoughts.
Patti Stable Ford
John offered such dignity and stature to our long-standing Peace Vigil in Monument Square every Friday. A gentle man and gentleman both. The light in Concord is a little less bright now.
We worked with John as he assisted us in negotiating our teacher contracts. He was respected by the school committee negotiators.. Always a gentleman. May he REST in PEACE.
I had Mr Mannheim as a teacher and a cross country coach. I loved him because he was so patient with a young man trying to grow up. You did good John.