WEST HAVEN - Walter "Tad" Mandel passed away peacefully Thursday, October 4, 2012, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Tad was born in Cliffside Park, N.J., on October 1, 1927, to Edith (Boyle) and Walter Mandel.
He graduated from Cliffside Park High School and the Lincoln Technical School in Newark, N.J. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and then worked for P.J. Delahanty Co. in Edgewater, N.J. During that time, he was First Mate on C-Scout Explorer Ship 34 in North Bergen, N.J. In 1959, he ran Montvale Esso Service Center with his twin brother, "Dick," in Montvale, N.J. In 1967, he operated Park Ridge Esso Service Station in Park Ridge, N.J., until 1970 when he owned and operated Tad's Automotive Center in Montvale, N.J.
In 1990, he moved to West Haven, Vt. Throughout the years, he was a West Haven Fire Department volunteer; on the Town Planning Commission Board of Adjustment; town moderator; and elected to the Civil Board of Authority, performing several marriages. He also served as a volunteer at the election polls. He was the animal control officer for West Haven. He served on the board of the Fair Haven Rescue Squad. He was a board member of Fair Haven Concerned. He became a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Fair Haven where he served on the vestry and as junior warden.
Survivors are his wife of 55 years, Margaret "Peg" (Mezara) Mandel; his sons, Michael Walter Mandel and his wife Claire of Ramsey, N.J., and Robert William Mandel and his wife Jennifer of Guilford, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Jessica Mandel, Cooper Mandel, Kyle Mandel, Robert Mandel, Alea Mandel, Maggie Mandel and Sean Mandel; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Jean Spiel, in 1970 and brothers, Robert Mandel, in 2012, and, Richard Mandel, in 2012.
Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday at the Durfee Funeral Home, 119 North Main St., Fair Haven, Vt. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 2 p.m. Tuesday at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Fair Haven. A reception will follow at the West Haven Community Center. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
The Mandel family would like to thank everyone at the Rutland Medical Center and the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse and Hospice and everyone at the Castleton Family Health Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peg, Mike, Robbie and rest of Mandel family:
Our sincere condolences...
Alot of memories come back... Rest in Peace, Tad.... Steve, Wanda, Debbie and Joe Forte'
October 12, 2012
A gentleman and a true gentle man. God bless you all in your time of sorrow. I will always hold Tad close in my heart.
Kathy Stephenson
October 12, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
RRMC 5th Floor Nursing Staff
October 11, 2012
play it forward, just a Tad. Prayers & hugs for all.
~Melanie
October 9, 2012
Very Sad to hear of Uncle Tad's passing. I will always remember him with many happy memories of times shared while growing up in NJ. We often talk of the backyard BBQ after softball and the fun we all had together. God Bless and Much Love
Eileen O'Brien
October 9, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Thomas OBrien
October 8, 2012
I am so full of sadness in seeing this notice from my mom. I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood that included the Mandels. My heart is with you all ~ he was such a great man...God Bless you Aunt Peg, Mike & Robby & families. xo, Nancy
Nancy (Belits) McElrone
October 8, 2012
So sorry to hear of Tad's passing. I could always count on a big smile and wave from Tad as he would pass by when I would be out for a walk in West Haven
Cathy Ranney
October 8, 2012
To the Mandel Family I extend my dearest sympathy to the passing of Tad.
I remember Tad very well from my childhood. I grew up only a couple of doors away from St. Mark's in Castleton, and I met Tad there with long time neighbor and friend Frank Williamson (or as I called him then and still do Mr. Williamson.) His generosity has no need to speak for those who are lucky enough to have known him during his time here, because all of us always saw him out doing something that was to benefit someone else. He gave many people in these areas a gift that has no value, his time. I still remember only short time after I joined the fire service 9 years ago, I saw Tad helping to set up tables at the Christmas Bazaar put on by the churches in the area. I walked up excited to tell him that I had joined up here in Castleton, and I will never forget the smile that was commonly found on his face and the hand shake he gave me when he said "good man." Tad, you touched many lives during your time here, and you will be missed until we all greet each other again.
Sean Seguin
October 8, 2012
I am so sorry to hear this. I have many fond memories from my childhood of Uncle Tad. He had to drive by our house on Park Avenue every day, and every time he would give a big wave with his even bigger smile. That is how I will always remember him. My sincere condolences to Aunt Peg, Mike, Robbie, and all of the family.
Cathy (Belits) Kasper
October 7, 2012
Cintra & Jim Cunningham, Jim Belits, Cathy Belits Kasper, Nancy Belits McElrone and Jeffrey Belits wish to extend their heartfelt condolences to the entire Mandel family. Many wonderful memories of our relationship with Tad & his family are being recalled with great affection. Tad's smile will always come to mind when thinking about him.
October 7, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
jody beayon
October 7, 2012
Tad you helped us in so many ways with your gentleness and smiles and hugs and caring to make the world a better place
October 6, 2012
So sorry for your loss, he will be missed dearly. I will always remmember his smile.
Danielle
October 6, 2012
So sorry to hear of Tad's passing. He has done so much for his community. I served on the Fair Haven Rescue Squad Board of Directors with him. RIP, Tad.
Bobbi & Dick Adams
October 6, 2012
We are all so sorry for your loss of a great man. Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
The RRMC Progressive Care Unit team
October 6, 2012
Tad, You were always such a joy. You will be missed by everyone. May your supply of Werthers be endless. My prayers go out to your whole family. RIP.
Pat Brown
October 6, 2012
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Funeral services provided by:
Durfee Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Fair Haven119 North Main Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743
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