John Mando

  John Paul Mando, counselor, teacher, rabble-rouser and advocate, adored son and doted-upon brother, beloved and loving husband, uncle, godfather, nephew and cousin, and friend, died June 27, 2018, having given his all to living.   The world has lost a great storyteller, and an even greater man.  He lived a good, at times, difficult, life—full of love, laughter, and faith.  He was the guy everyone loved. Born on Mother’s Day, 1944, in Erie, PA , he faced his last days with courage and grace.  He was a man of great intelligence and drive.  His passing leaves a void in the lives of his family and the community he served.   He was a man whose laughter is unforgettable, a natural and trained listener, a man of principle and Catholic faith, a member of  St. Francis of Assisi (Hillcrest) and St. James (Johnson City).  With a remarkable memory, he was always ready to speak about politics or history, particularly of the family.  Modest in manner, often working tirelessly in the background, he actively participated in his parishes’ book clubs and faith formation programs.    A life-long learner, he graduated from Cathedral Preparatory High School and Gannon University (Erie, PA)); he studied at North American College (Louvain, Belgium) and received a MA in Counseling/Psychology from SUNY/Oswego. John exuded a quiet strength and curiosity.  With a quick wit and beautiful smile, he made friends wherever he went.  He defined “family” broadly and valued it above all else; he leaves them with an abundance of good memories and gratitude for his loving care.   John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bonnie, his sisters, Irene Louise Mando and Jean Ann D’Ambrosio and her children, Daniel and Michele, and his sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and John Briglin and their children. Ailish Luedde and Shawn Briglin and their families. , He leaves behind his aunt, Virginia Sonnenberg and his uncle Richard Mando, and by many cousins, many of whom, like John Paul, have double first names because there are so many of them.  He is preceded in death by his parents, John Benjamin and Marian DeDionisio Mando, and by 12 aunts and uncles on his mother’s side and 8 on his father’s. John’s family wishes to thank to the many professionals and paraprofessionals who have helped John along the way.   A Funeral Mass offered by the Reverend Timothy Taugher will be held at 9:00 am, Saturday, June 30, 2018      at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1031 Chenango Street, Binghamton.  Family will receive friends at the Church from 8:00 am until the time of Mass.  For many years, John collaborated with his friend, the late Msgr.  James Peterson, in Maria House Project.  MHP is a non-profit, based in Erie, PA, that continues to minister to the marginalized. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Maria House Project, PO Box 10682, Erie PA  16514. They are appreciated, as are gifts given to personal favorite organizations working for justice and peace. Spend time with your children, take a walk on the beach with your loved ones, or consider donating to a candidate or a cause of your choosing.  Or better still, get out and pound the pavement, or pick up your pen, or make that call.  John did.                                                                                      Micah 6:  Act Justly.                                                                     Love Tenderly.                                                           Walk Humbly with the Lord.