WILLIAM MANDEL

MANDEL--William H. (Bill), a powerful advocate for the arts and culture, died Thursday, February 19 after a lengthy illness. Bill graduated from Brooklyn College and enlisted in the US Navy for the duration of the second World War. Upon his return to civilian life he enrolled at the Chicago Institute of Art to pursue his lifelong devotion to the visual arts. After achieving a Master's degree there, he then went to New Haven to further his pursuit. Bill received his BFA from Yale University where he studied under Josef Albers and had a successful career in print and television advertising and promotion, including high level positions with CBS and PBS in New York City. In retirement, he returned to his studio and executed numerous paintings that explored color theory, geometry, and shape. Bill was elected to the Board of the James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, Pa., in 1997 and elected Trustee Emeritus in December 2014. He was the founder of the Janus Society, a fund devoted exclusively for acquisitions, which was renamed the Mandel Society in 2009. Over 25 important works of art were purchased for the permanent collection because of his efforts. Bill was a committed gardener and poured his sense of design and color into beautiful living paintings throughout the grounds of their Bucks County home. A long time member of Alliance Francaise, Bill embraced his annual adventures in France as well as travels in Italy. Bill and his partner of 62 years, Robert L. (Bob) Russell, gave generously to national and community non-profit organizations with Heritage Conservancy of Bucks County and James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, Pennsylvania; New York's Lincoln Center Education and Metropolitan Opera and Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut at the top of their list. Aside from his beloved partner Bob Russell, he leaves his sister and brother- in-law Penny Alpher (Bernard); his brother Dr.Manley Mandel (Audrey); nephews Dr. Jeff E. Mandel (Cecelia); William E. Mandel(Caroline); David A.Alpher(Robin) and niece Jill M. Mandel. Gifts in Bill's memory may be made to the Mandel Society, James A. Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pa. Life Celebration service provided by Leaver/ Cable of Buckingham, PA.

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