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BORN

1942

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive

Houston, Texas

Vincent Mandola Obituary

Vincent "Bubba" Anthony Mandola
1942-2020
Vincent ""Bubba"" Anthony Mandola passed away in Houston on Sunday, the 19th of July 2020, at the age of 77.
He was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Anyone who met him instantly loved him. You never walked away from him without a smile and a laugh. He was known for his witt and true ability to light up a room with his charismatic personality. Vincent's persona included his signature starched shirts and pristine appearance.
Vincent was born on the 30th of August 1942, in Houston. He attended Annunciation Catholic Church and was a graduate of Saint Thomas High School, class of 1961. He married his childhood sweetheart of 57 years, Mary Virginia Provenzano, on the 16th of June 1963. Three years after they were married, he served in the Vietnam War in 1967. He graduated with top honors as part of his bootcamp training class and was transferred to Vietnam where his job was head cook of his platoon. It had only just began. Vincent and Mary opened Nino's in 1977, they began a tradition for Houstonians who appreciated Italian dining capturing the essence of Italy in ambiance and food. Nino's has been a long-time favorite offering family hospitality. They came up with many of their culinary ideas and recipes through frequent trips to all of Italy. The food, wine and sights helped to foster the love for family, friends and customers alike.
Based on strong work ethic and his family's commitment to the business, they were able to open several other concepts. Bubba didn't look at the business as work, he woke up every day knowing he was doing exactly what he loved to do. A perfect quote from Bubba ""If we didn't have a large family dinner on Sunday, the day wasn't complete."" His love for family was larger than life.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia; his daughters, Vinceanne Mandola, Mary Dana Corbett and her husband Peter Corbett. The love and joys of his life were his grandchildren, Vincent, Antonino and Gianni Green, Micaela, Julia and Peter Joseph Corbett; siblings, Margaret Ann Vallone and her husband Rocco, Rose Marie Carrabba and her husband Johnny, Anthony Mandola and his wife Phyllis, and Damian Mandola and his wife Trina; sisters-in-law, Camilla Rose Maida and Miklyn Provenzano; and many special and loving nieces and nephews.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 22nd of July, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at half-past six o'clock.
A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o'clock in the morning on Thursday, the 23rd of July, at the Church of the Annunciation, 1618 Texas Avenue in Houston, where the Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill, STD, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria,Texas and the Rev. Paul Felix, Pastor, are to celebrate.
KINDLY NOTE: due to COVID-19 social distancing protocols currently in place, seating is limited in the church so guests are invited to visit the church's website at annunciationcc.org in order to obtain a ticket for entry. All others are invited to attend the service virtually via the link accessed on Mr. Mandola's online memorial tribute page at GeoHLewis.com, where memories and words of comfort and condolence may also be shared electronically with his family.
The Rite of Committal will follow, via an escorted cortège, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests the memorial contributions in his name be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77007; or to the charity of one's choice.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Jul. 21 to Jul. 22, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Vincent Mandola

Sponsored by Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors.

Not sure what to say?





We are following in Bubba, Mary and the girls path.Brought the entire Family to Italy.

Leonard Cherry

July 15, 2023

I will miss you forever Bubba Love you SAM

Sam Joseph Ruffino

Friend

July 15, 2023

He was my Best Friend, and I loved him .

Sam Joseph Ruffino

Friend

July 15, 2022

Vince: We all still miss you. To have a visit today with a couple of High School Classmates and we will for sure say a prayer and great words about you!

Joe Cotrone

School

July 15, 2022

Thinking about your family and Sending thoughts and prayers to your way. Love you!

Lisa Strange

July 15, 2021

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good man. I used to take care of your plants and your restaurants and home for Inner Gardens. My deepest sympathies.

Dianne Gilbert

Acquaintance

September 10, 2020

Our deepest sympathy to the family! We had the pleasure of playing music for Vincent for many years, he was always so kind and inspiring to play for! Our friends that came out really liked him, he always took time to say hello to everyone and made us and them feel welcome! Our prayers go out to the family! May God Bless You All!!

Michael and Dawn Vanlangendonck "Van-lang"

July 24, 2020

Mary, Vinceanne and Dana,
We are deeply saddened for the loss of Bubba. I always
looked up to Bubba and was very honored to know him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family.

Mike and Frannie Danna

Friend

July 24, 2020

I will truly miss Vincent. For over 40 year he was a huge part of our families lives. from weddings, anniversarys, birthdays or just a delicious dinner he would always top by and make the evening special! He called me boy and always had a joke for me and me for him. I watched his daughters grow up and get married and there was no finer father or grandpa! He will leave a big hole in my heart. I will keep all those wonderful memories close to my heart. Mary and Dana and Vinceanne my condolences, from Gail and myself much love to your entire family!

kenny goldstein

Friend

July 23, 2020

Vincent was one in a million. We will miss him dearly. May God be so ever close to his family during this time of sorrow.

Sincerely,
Tom and Sandy Wilson

Tom and Sandy Wilson

Acquaintance

July 23, 2020

Mary and Girls,
Such a Beautiful service for a truly wonderful man who was my role model all these years as a Husband, Father and Businessman. I am here if ever needed or to just share cherished memories.

Leonard Cherry

Friend

July 23, 2020

My deepest condolences for your loss. Bubba was one of the good guys and it is an honor to have known him.

ANGELO MOSCARELLI

Friend

July 23, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Silvia Martinez

Friend

July 23, 2020

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, Vincent. Visiting with him at Nino's or Vincent's was always one of the highlights of our dining experience. We will fondly treasure his sense of humor and his personal acts of kindness and consideration over the last 43 years. As a passionate restaurateur, Vincent set new standards in the food service industry and stood out as one of the absolute finest anywhere in the world. In his restaurants, he wore his signature apron to communicate a clear message of welcome and to ensure that we would be treated to impeccable hospitality.

Personally, we will miss Vincent and we pray that his family will find strength in the Lord. Rest in peace dear friend.
Sylvia and John Cantú

Sylvia & John Cantu

Friend

July 23, 2020

Dear Mary, we are so saddened for the loss of Bubba. He was truly a kind man and will be greatly missed by us. Plum and Bubba would talk regularly on the phone exchanging jokes and catching up mainly on all the good times they shared together through the years. They were dear friends. We are so sorry for not being able to attend the funeral services for Bubba, due to the underlying conditions from this virus. You and your family are deeply in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you during this very difficult time. Love, Sandy & Plum

Sandy & Plum

Friend

July 22, 2020

Mr. Mandola always greeted my family and me with a warm smile and welcome when we dined at Nino. Mr. Mandola always made a big deal of saying hello to my dad who was 90 years old. One evening, when we were talking before dinner, my dad recalled the sfingess that his mom used to make. A little while latter, Mr. Mandola came out to our table with a plate full of hot, sugared sfinges - before the entree was served ! He always made us feel welcome and special. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Mary Ann Canino Anderson.

Mary Ann Canino Anderson

Acquaintance

July 22, 2020

Sherman Law

July 22, 2020

Mary Virginia & family, Kenny & I were heart broken to hear about Bubba ! He was a super great guy , we still love the wine we first had there at Ninos & he was so generous to give us a bottle to take home. Our prayers of comfort are with you all !

Kenny & Mary Burks

Family

July 22, 2020

Jamie Lewis

July 22, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Ruth Duran Buyers

Coworker

July 22, 2020

prayers are with the family

Angelo Santopolo

Acquaintance

July 22, 2020

Angelo Santopolo

July 22, 2020

Vincent & Mary: always very kind and friendly. God Bless as you looking down on us from above.

Joe C Cotrone

Classmate

July 22, 2020

David Rosenberger

July 22, 2020

I am so saddened by the passing of Mr. Mandola. My husband and I spent countless evenings and celebrations in what we had always thought of as our favorite restaurant . Mr. Mandola made our evenings special and always made sure to come by our table to check on us and make sure everything was perfect. He was such a lovely man and will be greatly missed.

Tami DuBose

Acquaintance

July 22, 2020

HANS schleicher

July 22, 2020

My husband and I came often for years - we are from Beaumont . Always a open arm for a hug and a kiss to welcome us . We send our love to his dear family . What a special man he was
Mia and Dee Dugas

Mia and Dee Dugas

Acquaintance

July 22, 2020

Shirley Lampo

July 22, 2020

Mrs. Mandola, Vinceanne and Dana - I am so sorry to hear about Mr.Mandola. You are all deeply in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the next few days, and I pray for you to have peace in the weeks and months to come. Much love always.

Marionette Agrella

Friend

July 22, 2020

For decades my fiends and I would dine at Vincents, Nino's and Grappino di Nino and Vincent helped me organize my company annual party in one of the private rooms in Grappino always around Easter weekend which is a favorite time of the year for us. Vincent was such a remarkable man, always giving and so friendly. What also was so striking was his innate ability to see the future for his family and business interests of which he excelled in them all. Not long ago I ran into him parking by me at a grocery store and he spent 15 minuets laughing and chatting and catching up and he always would invite me back to dine and ask for him. Vincent will always be a favorite friend one who is admired for so many reasons. Thank you Vincent and family.

Phillip Williams

Friend

July 22, 2020

a loved one

July 21, 2020

Our family enjoyed many wonderful occasions at all of Vincent’s restaurants. He was a wonderful host and always made us feel like family. Our hearts go out to all of his loved ones. We pray that his memory will be a blessing to all of you. Marianne and Larry Greenfield

Larry and Marianne Greenfield

Acquaintance

July 21, 2020

a loved one

July 21, 2020

Bubba was an original. On the upside, he lived a tremendous life surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, guests, and newcomers, while he nourished their bodies, minds, and souls not only with sustenance, but also with love, joy, and affection. Bubba was a storyteller and one he shared routinely with me and my family and friends was about when I was a busboy at Nino's in the late 1970s: I tuned the restaurant floor stereo to a rock station during a Led Zeppelin special; he came out of the kitchen and was shocked to hear rock on the floor, and found me fine turning the hifi stereo; he didnt get mad, yet simply turned it back to classical and told me not to do that again. Every time I saw Bubba as an adult, he reenacted the story with arm out illustrating with his fingers the fine-tuning of the dial for my family and friends. Here's to Vincent, good times, family, and friends. I wish that his family and friends embrace peace, love, and joy in all the wonderful experiences and memories that he helped create. Viva!

Jordan Faires

Coworker

July 21, 2020

I will always remember that big smile and friendly greeting that Mr. Mandola gave us as we entered one of his restaurants. Vincent always took the time to have a short conversation with us before our meals. We met Vincent through his lovely wife Mary and our condolences and sympathy go out to her and the entire Mandola family. God bless all. We are currently not in Houston, and will be thinking of everyone over the next few days.

Thomas R. Woehler, MD

Friend

July 21, 2020

Dear Peter and Dana,

We were very sorry to hear of your great loss. He looked like such a content and happy person. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bea & Rob McLellan (Peter's aunt)

Bea McLellan

Family

July 21, 2020

a loved one

July 21, 2020

a loved one

July 21, 2020

I was a team mate with Bubba at St. Thomas and also a classmate in the class of 1961. Bubba was out shortstop and we won TCIL state championships our junior and senior years. He was a great team mate with strong defensive skills. He will be greatly missed. The attached picture was from the 1961 St. Thomas year book.

Gene Deluke

Classmate

July 21, 2020

Bubba


I will miss you more than words can say .We grew up together

Sam J. Ruffino

Friend

July 21, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Urso Family

Friend

July 21, 2020

Stacy Urso

July 20, 2020

Mary Virginia: Special thoughts are with you and your family. It's been many years but I still remember Bubba was a great guy.

Virginia Hurlbut

Friend

July 20, 2020

We will miss Vincent greatly. He was always so kind when we visited the restaurant.

Jerri A Ervin

Acquaintance

July 20, 2020

Miklyn Provenzano

July 20, 2020

I have know Vinceanne and Dana since college. I have lots of fond memories with both of them through those years, after college and getting together with our own children at the beach. I was able to enjoy seeing Mr. Mandola with my many visits to Houston and Galveston during those special times. My favorite part was visiting the restaurants where Mr. Mandola always greeted me with a hug and kiss followed by lots of witty jokes and of course wonderful food! He always made me feel so welcome in his home and was just a very genuine soul. He should be very proud of the wonderful family he made and the family values he instilled. He will be missed. Heaven has definitely gained a wonderful angel and Im sure he will be preparing the most wonderful meals, sharing some great wine and telling some witty jokes. Much love to the Mandola family. Lisa Strange.

Lisa Strange

Friend

July 20, 2020

Vinceanne and Dana:
Im saddened to hear of Bubbas passing. He was such a great man. I feel privileged to have known him and experienced his generosity, kindness and love for his family. He exemplified what it means to be a true gentleman and a great father. You all are in my prayers during this difficult time and beyond. God bless you and your family.

Matthew Dexter

Friend

July 20, 2020

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Memorial Events
for Vincent Mandola

Jul

22

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057

Jul

22

Rosary

6:30 p.m.

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057

Jul

23

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Church of the Annunciation

1618 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX

Funeral services provided by:

Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

1010 Bering Drive, Houston, TX 77057

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