Vincent A. Mandella

Vincent A. Mandella, 79, of Worcester died unexpectedly on Friday December 7, 2007 in the UMASS Medical Center University Campus. Vinnie is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Karen J. (Vermette) Mandella; his devoted children: two sons, Paul V. and his wife Beverley of Shrewsbury, Christopher A. and his fiancé Michelle Williams of Webster; two daughters, Gina L. Cargile and her husband Johnny of Georgia, and Rachael A. Mandella of Grafton and a step-son Ralph Jollette and his wife Carolyn and their family in Chicago. Vinnie also leaves seven grandchildren, Anthony and his wife Katherine, Paula and her fiancé George, Jenna Rose, Jimmy, Nathan, Kaylynn and Kristen. He also leaves his father in law, Paul Vermette Sr. of Ashburnham; his mother in law, June (Plummer) Vermette of Gardner; a sister in law, Paula Vermette Matthies, her husband Darren and their daughter Emma of Oregon; two brothers in law, Paul Vermette Jr., his wife Kelly and their daughter Rachel of Gardner, and David Vermette of Gardner. Vinnie's first wife Paula (Latino) Mandella died in 1953. Vinnie was born in Worcester, son of the late Anthony and Gertrude (Skog) and lived here all his life. He was a graduate of North High School.

Vinnie retired from Astra Pharmaceutical after 42 years. His long career included being in charge of the largest production of lidocaine, the key ingredient of Xylocaine. The Executives praised his department for producing more than any other chemists in the world. He then moved on to become the head of the Building Services Department and Housekeeping.

After retirment, Vinnie took charge of the maintenance and upkeep at his condo complex Sunderland Woods, where he was treasured by all. He enjoyed this job immensely and really cared about helping the residents. Vinnie was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-Saint Ann Parrish. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He loved vacationing in Aruba, spending his free time poolside at their condo, and visiting his relatives whom he cared for greatly on the coast of Maine and North Hampton. Vinnie had a special zest for life and enjoyed it to the fullest. But his most precious times were being with his wife, family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all, especially his feline buddy Nickolo.

Vincent's funeral will be held Thursday from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-Saint Ann Parish, 24 Mulberry St. Calling hours in the funeral home are 5-8 PM on Wednesday. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606, or to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.