William Willy Mangano

William F. "Willy" Mangano, Sr., a proud simple gentleman, who devoted his life to his family passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 28th 2014 with his loved ones gathered beside him after a period of declining health. He was 88. Willy was born in Worcester, one of nine children of Italian immigrants Angelo and Josephine (Romano) Mangano. He grew up in Worcester on Shrewsbury Street; graduating from Commerce High School. Willy enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II to serve his country proudly as a Naval Aircraft machinist. Upon return from the War, Willy met and married the woman who became his partner and love of his life for the next 65 years Winifred Harris. They settled on Bell Hill to raise their family before moving to Holden in 1993. Willy worked as an inspector for over thirty years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State Highway Department, District #3 in Worcester before retiring. He is survived by his wife, Winnie; his three devoted children, William F. Mangano, Jr and his wife Teresa of Fairbanks Alaska, Deborah Douglas of Holden and Andrea "Chickee" Sacco and her husband Michael P. of Worcester; a brother, James Mangano of Andover and a sister, Rose Boucher of Worcester; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends around the country. Three brothers, Virginio, Nunzio and Louis Mangano and two sisters, Anna Belculfine and Eleanor Johnson all predeceased him. Willy was an active member and Eucharistic Minister of St. Mary's Church in Jefferson. A member of the Eastside Post 201 American Legion, Froshinn Club in Shrewsbury, the Greendale Retired Men's Club, the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists and the Leicester Council #4525, Knights of Columbus. Willy and Winnie loved to ballroom and square dance and could be found weekly on Saturday night with friends at the Froshinn Club. They also loved to travel and were members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, as longtime owners of a Silver Air Stream traveling the United States and Canada extensively making acquaintances and long-term friendships along the way. Willy loved his garden where he grew an assortment of vegetables and tended to his grapes. He also enjoyed wood carving, bocce and watching New England Sports especially the Patriots and Red Sox. At one time, Willy coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and served as Troop 85 Scoutmaster. The best times of Willy's life were spent with his family, sharing, laughing and just enjoying being together. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Williams's family, Thursday, January 30th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Members of the Eastside Post 201, will gather at 6:30 pm in the funeral home to conduct their ritual. His funeral will be celebrated Friday, January 31st at 9:00 am from the funeral home with a procession to St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton Road, Jefferson where his mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Saint John's Cemetery in Worcester. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in Willy's name can be made to St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton Road, Jefferson, Mass. The Mangano family would like to thank Dr. Theo Meyer and his staff at the UMass Cardiovascular Medicine & Heart Failure Program for their care, comfort and compassion during a difficult time.