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Charles Mandel Obituary
Charles Mandel, 81, magazine publishing executive, golfer, theatrical and film director and entrepreneur died peacefully on July 20, 2016. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Arlene and survived by his sons, Doug, 49 and Marc 51 as well as a grandson, Willem, 10. A long-term member of the famed New York City Friar's Club, Mandel's love of life was apparent in everything he did and was proud of his many accomplishments, both professional and personal. He also deeply loved his family and especially, his wife who passed away in 2006. Originally a Brooklyn, New York native, Mandel lived in Melville, New York; Tarpon Springs, Florida and most recently, Atlanta, Georgia. He will be buried at Trinity Memorial Park in Trinity, Florida. A ceremony and remembrance dinner will be scheduled in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to The American Cancer Society would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Mandel
Harrell Guy Graham
Yesterday
I met Charles Mandel only one time and he changed my life for the better in a couple of ways. Around 1982 I walked into his outer office at Hearst Corporation in NYC without an appointment. He was publisher of the popular monthly American magazine, Science Digest. I asked the receptionist if I could talk with him. To my surprise I was immediately led into his office and found myself face-to-face with the publisher of a major magazine (which magazine was great, by the way). I explained how I was trying to promote greater civilian involvement in the space program and could he please run, for free, public service advertising of my then new design on t-shirts, posters and postcards which had artwork of the Milky Way Galaxy with an arrow pointing to where our sun is out of the billions of stars and the words say "You Are Here". He immediately said `Sure, no problem´, and he reached over and took my selection of ad sizes I had already prepared and he called his art director into the office and instructed her to start running these ads.
And as we were subsequently chatting after this exchange he said, "Could you excuse me for a minute? I need to make a phone call." He then picked up his phone and called his wife to tell her that he loved her. In the space of a few minutes Charles Mandel had changed my life in a financial way and in a spiritual way. Financial because funds were needed to print educational literature.
The spiritual way he changed me was by his calling his wife to tell her he loved her. He knew I was listening and I bet he wanted to impart a lesson: creating love in the present moment is an important balance to only focusing on the material aspects of publishing a magazine. His generosity of heart and attention and lesson about love has never left me. I only wish I had written this earlier and sent it to him when he was alive.
Jody Bernstein
July 27, 2025
One of the kindest people I have ever known. I miss you, Charlie.
Jody ~
Keith
July 23, 2022
Miss ya, Charlie! You will be remembered always!
Ellen Totten
April 10, 2017
Jerry and I were thinking about your dad today, Doug. We will always remember the wonderful times we shared living in Crescent Oaks and playing golf at Harbor Town. Your mother and father were two very special people that we will always remember with love. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. With love, Ellie & Jerry Totten
Marc Mandel
September 14, 2016
Love ya, pop. It's so strange not having you to call anytime I want any more. At least you're back with Mom. I'm sure she was indeed able to dig a hole under Heaven's fence to get you in, after all.
July 28, 2016
please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We hope that the scripture in Romans 15 verse 13 will be comforting to you at this time. Sincerely Bob and Jeannie from Orlando Florida
July 27, 2016
Most amazing man. Never forget you.
Lisa Mandel
July 27, 2016
Miss you already, Charlie.
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