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David Mandell Obituary

DAVID PAUL MANDELL, 24 loving son and nephew ROCKFORD - David Paul Mandell, 24, died unexpectedly Monday, May 31, 2011, in Loves Park. Born June 2, 1986, in Fort Myers, Fla., the son of Dave Mandell and Jo Ferraro. He attended Harlem High School and was an avid skateboarder. David was a talented artist and had a true passion for drawing and art. In "Conquering Addiction", J.J. Goldwag discusses many of the effective tools to gracefully overcome addiction. Goldwag establishes the link between unhappiness and dependence, and uncovers methods that take us toward a healthy recovery. He takes us down the path of seeing clearly, maintaining proper perspective and restoring unification with our true nature. Through a reconnection with our inner self, we can reestablish a feeling of wholeness, remain in harmony, and overcome all obstacles. When we understand how to break free from destructive thoughts, and become anchored in the unchanging, then life opens to dramatic transformations and endless possibilities. The family knows David is happy and safe in the arms of his grandparents and is with those he adored and loved so very much. Survivors include his mother, Jo Ferraro of Rockford; father, Dave Mandell of Rockford; uncles, Larry Ferraro of Machesney Park and Jay (Robyn) Ferraro of Roscoe; great-uncles, Larry (Betty) Ferraro of Sarasota, Fla., and Vic (Bonnie) Mandell of Rockford; great-aunt, Marie Zandonai of Rockford; godmother, Jane Ratzlaff of Rockford; and many cousins and friends. Predeceased by grandparents, Anthony and Frances Mandell and Sam and Lil Ferraro; uncles, Anthony Mandell and Frank "Buzzy" Mandell; aunt, Kathy Ferraro; and cousin, Joshua Brown. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Gateway Foundation in Aurora for all of their love and support they gave to David. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, June 3, at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of prayer at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Gateway Foundation, 400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL 60506. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel is assisting the family. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for David Mandell

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Abby F

June 17, 2011

David, I miss seeing you around the library and I wish you weren't gone but i know your in a better place. All our love comes out to you. . ((program house girls & Lssi men's west guys.))

Tracy Colantonio

June 5, 2011

David you were my best friend in h school, i will always have you in my heart. We had alot of good times, you used 2 wake me up on the weekends at the crack of dawn, you would play cops n robbers with my brothers. We would always walk 2 the mall while u rode ur sk8 board. You always knew how 2 brighten my day when i had problems with my stepdad. The world lost such a great person, but now your in heaven with the rest of the angels. Cant wait til i wil be able 2 see you again. XOXO

mandi

June 3, 2011

I know I haven't seen you in a really long time but it's sad to hear your gone. You were a good guy and you will be missed.My prayers are with you and your family. RIP

Danielle Kinkade-Rupert

June 3, 2011

Jo,
Its Danielle (the girl that grew up with David and lived down the street). I am so sorry to hear about David. Matt contacted me via facebook and told me. I wish i could be home for you and for the funeral. I actually still have a drawing he did for me hanging in my room to this day. He drew my name in bubble letters and its framed. I will always keep it. Please let me know if i can do anything. If you want to contact me, please just find me on facebook. You are in my prayers.

With Love,
Danielle Kinkade-Rupert

Eddy J

June 3, 2011

David you will be dearly missed by all of us at LSSI. My prayers are with you and your family. May your soul rest in peace n harmoney.

STACY HALL

June 3, 2011

SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS JO! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME.

June 3, 2011

I'm so sorry for you're loss david was a very good person

June 3, 2011

Jo,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember holding David when he was just born, my sister Vickie and I came over and you and Dave were so happy. Life is full of sorrows and joys.I can feel your sorrow, as a mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb Gustafson (old friend)

June 3, 2011

Jo,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember holding David when he was born, my sister Vickie and I came over to your house and you and Dave were so very happy. Life is hard and joyful at times. My prayers are with you and I can feel your sorrow. Always in my thoughts and prayers Jo.
Barb Gustafson (old friend)

Joy Hoff

June 3, 2011

I also lost my son at 24 due to substance abuse. My heart goes out to you for all you've been through and are going through now.

Jake Mulder

June 2, 2011

To my stepbrother David: I still cannot believe you are gone... I grew up with you pretty much my whole life and you will be missed more than you could ever know. Happy Birthday to you today, give Nana & Nanu my love <3 We will see each other again one day...

Debbie Picchi

June 2, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Judy Serio

June 2, 2011

We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to our cousin David and Jo, You will be in our thoughts and prayers even though we will not be able to be there with you during this uneasy time. May David rest in peace and God be with him and the family. We love you. Your cousins in Las Vegas-Judy, Tommy, Bado, Guiseppe, Annalisa, Angelo and children-Valentina and Tomasino

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