Obituary of James F. Mannett

James Frederick Mannett, age 48, of Surprise, AZ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 4th at his residence after a long and courageous battle with carcinoid cancer. Jim had resided in the Phoenix area for the past eight years and was a long time resident of the Essex area and was a graduate of Valley Regional High School in Deep River. Jim was born August 15, 1964 in New Haven, the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Utley) Mannett. Jim will be remembered for his love of business having created several of his own over the past twenty five years. Most recently he was owner of CEA Solar, LLC, of Surprise, AZ and he held patents for products used in Solar Energy, Recreation Vehicles and in the Marine Industry. Jim also was a Vice President of Sales for General Electric for over six years during his career. His interests included flying. Jim obtained his pilot's license at an early age and was proud to have succeeded in flying across country. He loved to travel and did so extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and other various continents. His RV travels included cross country trips and most recently the Pacific Northwest. Jim's fight and struggles with healthcare insurance and its failure to pays claims for treatment received out of the country were chronicled by the Wall Street Journal in 2009 and continued up to the time of his passing. Jim is survived by his sister, Patricia Samek and her husband Robert, of Kensington, his brother, Thomas and his wife Nancy Mannett, of Embden, ME, his devoted partner, Gregory Fritts who provided support and care throughout his illness, his faithful companions, Diva and Haus, cherished cousin, Nancy Rayhorn of Phoenix and many extended family and friends in the Phoenix area. He also leaves his treasured nieces and nephews, Nicole Feeley, Thomas and Andrew Mannett, and Michael Samek, Grand nieces and nephews, Morgan, Maddie, and Jack Feeley, and Andrew, Thomas, and Samuel Mannett. Funeral services will be held at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow in the Centerbrook Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00AM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to Caring for Carcinoid Foundation, 198 Tremont Street, Box 456, Boston, MA 02116. To Share a memory of Jim or leave a condolence for his family please visit www.rwwfh.com .