Cesare "Ben" Mangiapane

Cesare ("Ben") Benedetto Mangiapane
August 19, 1936 – December 31, 2025
Ben Mangiapane, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at the age of 89.
Born on August 19, 1936, to Marguerita and Filippo Mangiapane, Ben grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Wayne State University and then joined the National Guard. He enjoyed a successful 41-year career at Ford Motor Company where he met the love of his life, his wife, Cheryl (Henry) Mangiapane. They had a happy and loving marriage for over 60 years. After retiring from Ford, Ben spent eight years at Hollingsworth Logistics.
Ben and Cheryl raised their two children in Birmingham, Michigan, and were longtime parishioners of Holy Name Parish. Ben was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, and the Kiwanis Club for many years. In his retirement Ben joined the Senior Men's Club (Birmingham) where he enjoyed meeting new friends through weekly meetings and bowling. Ben also volunteered weekly for the Birmingham Next Meals on Wheels program and was a member of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Coin Club. Ben and Cheryl spent many years traveling the world and making friends along the way; however, his favorite thing to do was to spend time with his family.
Ben will be remembered for his love of Detroit sports teams, especially the Tigers, his conversations with anyone he met, his love of food, and travel.
Ben is survived by his wife Cheryl, daughter Keri Boyd (Mark Pierret), son Paul Mangiapane. grandson Jack (Carrissa) Boyd, great-grandson Conrad Boyd and step grandchildren Alex Pierret, Erich Herzfeld, Jon (Mary Clare) Pierret and Courtney Pierret.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will be at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road, Clawson, MI, 48017 on Wednesday, January 7, from 4-7 p.m.
A Funeral Mass to celebrate Ben's life will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon Street, Birmingham, on January 8 at 10 a.m. Friends may visit at the Church beginning at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Birmingham Next Meals on Wheels honoring Ben's generous spirit and his lifelong commitment to serving others. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered support, shared memories, and joined them in remembering a remarkable man whose warmth and kindness touched so many lives.
A reception will be held in Ben's memory at Birmingham Country Club, 1750 Saxon Drive, Birmingham, following the funeral Mass.
Ben will be laid to rest on Friday, January 9, at a private family service.