Michael A. Mango

Michael A. Mango, 94, died Monday December 14th at Mercy Medical Center, losing a hard-fought battle with Covid-19. He was born in West Springfield, son of the late James and Rosa (Caporale) Mango. He raised his family in West Springfield and was a lifelong resident.  He was an Army combat infantryman who fought in the Rhineland Campaigns during WWII in Germany where he earned a Bronze Star. He was retired from the US Postal Service and previously worked at the Springfield Armory. Michael had a hard-working, “Do it yourself” spirit and acquired many skills that he applied to hand-building cottages from scratch at Lake Ashmere, gardening and “inventing” things. He spent time working outdoors, refinishing salvaged furniture, collecting antiques and cooking Italian food. He delighted in spending time with grandchildren and would entertain them with old-time catchy tunes from the 30’s and 40’s, reciting the Gettysburg Address from memory, telling stories about how things were done in the “old days” and anything to help them or make them happy. He leaves his wife of 70 years Gloria (Baker) Mango, his daughter Diane Mango-Cahill of Williamsburg, two sons James Mango of South Hadley and Steven Mango of West Springfield, grandchildren Gina and Michael Mango, Dean Cahill and Garret Cahill and his wife Adena Calden, great grandchildren Gordon, Oliver and Lorelei Cahill, his longtime friend and brother-in-law Raymond Righetti, many brother/sisters in-law, generations of nieces, nephews and cousins around the country and family friend Ricky Sickler. He was predeceased by his brother Anthony Mango and wife Mary and sisters Rose Righetti and Ana Szajgin and husband Stanley. The family would like to thank the Veterans Administration Springfield Home Based Program for many years of healthcare and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the West Springfield Veterans Council, c/o Anthony Ciollaro, 6 Lyman Street, West Springfield, 01089.  All services and burial in the Mass Veteran’s Cemetery are private. For more information or to make online condolences please go to curranjones.com. Curran-Jones Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.