Mark Arthur Manz

Mark Arthur Manz died on October 22, 2024, at age 72 of pancreatic cancer in Nashville, Tennessee. He is greatly missed. A larger-than-life character in more ways than just his height, Mark led an interesting and adventurous life. Born and raised in New York state, he went to Woodstock as a 17-year-old, drove Chicago Seven member Jerry Rubin to court a time or two, and was a non-singing, shirtless Paris Opera extra wearing a toga while being fanned by the opera’s soprano. He lived in St. John, USVI; Virgin Gorda, BVI; Aspen; Hawaii; Paris; Southampton, NY; and Spain to name just a few places. He foraged for mushrooms, spoke French and loved a good thrift store bargain. He traveled around the world twice, as well as making numerous shorter trips. Traveling and cooking were two of Mark’s great passions, and he did plenty of both over the years. After graduating from The Restaurant School in Philadelphia, he combined them by working as a chef in kitchens around the world, so that in addition to seeing the sights and experiencing new adventures, he learned more about (and got to eat!) many cuisines. Even after he retired from cooking professionally and became the owner of Worldly Voices, a successful voice recording studio, he loved to travel and cook. He was always ready to create something new and delicious…while also making a mess in the kitchen! He delighted in cooking for his family and friends and would spend days devising the perfect menu. Mark never missed the Richland Park Farmer’s Market when he was in town, and he always grew herbs and for a time other vegetables that he used in his meals. After retirement, he began taking painting classes that allowed him to express his creativity in an additional way. He loved games and puzzles and had lengthy streaks in Wordle, Connections and Spelling Bee. He read voraciously and particularly enjoyed his men’s book club. Hiking in the woods brought him great joy, as did snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm waters of the Caribbean. He always sneezed three times. He had a great sense of humor, and his laugh was special. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Manz. He is survived by his wife Cindy Kershner; mother Patricia; brother Bruce (Connie Holt Manz); brother Kirk (Missy Harris); and sister Janet Shaw (Steve); eight nieces and nephews, Dylan Barstow Manz (Denise); Jaime Manz (Gina Simoncelli); Dana Shaw Greissing (Anthony); Jim Kershner (Kaitlyn); Sarah Manz; Travis Kershner; Ian Manz; and Hamilton Manz and by three great-nieces and -nephews, Eisley, Arthur and Owen; as well as countless friends from around the world. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to one of these three nonprofits: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development. P. O. Box 290369, 525 Royal Parkway, Nashville, TN 37229. Please include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made in memory of Mark Manz and to support pancreatic cancer research. Gifts can also be made online at VanderbiltHealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.” TennGreen Land Conservancy. Mail a check directly to TennGreen Land Conservancy at 1213 A 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212. Or give online https://givingtools.com/give/572/293 Nashville Food Project, mail checks to 5904 California Ave, Nashville, TN 37209 or give online at https://www.thenashvillefoodproject.org

Mark Arthur Manz

December 1, 1951 - October 22, 2024