John S. Mandulak

MANDULAK John S. Mandulak age 94, of Stratford, beloved father of Saundra Erickson and devoted husband of the late Evelyn Cortucci Mandulak passed into the arms of our Lord on May 23, 2011 in his home. John was a proud sailor who was drafted into the Navy on V.J. Day and always joked the Japanese surrendered when they found out John was coming! John was a member of Local 777 Plumbers pipe fitters union and worked as a steamfitter plumber until he retired at age 65. John then decided retirement was not for him and went on to work at Bridgeport Hospital for another 15 years. He was an avid baseball fan for any team, but the Yankees, although he did favor the Red Sox. John will be remembered for his kindness and generosity to family, friends, neighbors and all who were privileged to know him. He was always the consummate gentlemen until the moment he passed. With his knowledge of tools and mechanical expertise he was known as the neighborhood handy man. An excerpt from an ode written to him on his 50th birthday " a sweet little baby, a fine young man, one darn good father and the nicest husband in the land, your kind, your good, your steady and sure" that was John. In addition to his devoted daughter Sandy, who was the joy of his life, he is survived by his brother in-law Leo Farrow and his family Janet, John, Laura and Samantha Burton, Rick Farrow and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving adopted family Maureen, Gene, Jena, and Gene Stacy where his life and holidays were always made special. His "family" extends to Sharon Voytek, Pat and Dominic Palumbo, Bernie "his barber" and Karl Rupp, Marie Griff, Linda and Carl Piccolo and Trish Baglio. He was predeceased by 8 siblings and several brother and sister in-laws. Sandy would like to extend a special thank you to Dika Mack for her compassionate, loving care and to his other generous care givers Mary Beth Naples, John's favorite dog Noah, Eileen Pressler, Peggy Concoran, Gladys Cuevas and Rosemary Green. John leaves a great void in the lives of his daughter and his dear friends and family. The sparkle of his blue eyes would lighten up a room and endear him to everyone. Goodbye Mr. Blue Eyes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 10 am at Our lady of Grace Church, Stratford, with Monsingor Schultz officiating. Interment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may greet the family on Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 4 to 8 pm at the Dennis & Darcy - Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford. Donations in his memory may be made to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 99 Hawley Lane, Stratford, CT 06614 who provided comfort in his final journey. To place a online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com.