Jasper Mangiaracina, Sr.'s Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Jasper Mangiaracina, Sr., age 87 of Charleston and formerly of Calumet City, Illinois passed away in the comfort of his home and with loving family by his side on Thursday, April 10, 2014. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2014 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel with Pastor Curt Weaver officiating. Services will conclude with Military Honors conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the American Cancer Society or to Carle Hospice. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Jasper was born on July 6, 1926 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late George and Caroline (Speligene) Mangiaracina. He married the love of his life, M. Beatrice Keeley on October 21, 1944 and they have shared 69 years of marriage and friendship. In addition to Bea, he is survived by three sons, Jasper Mangiaracina, Jr. and wife Lupe of Lombard, Illinois, Daniel L. Mangiaracina and wife Sandy of Cedar City, Utah and Joseph G. Mangiaracina of Indianapolis; his sister, Catherine Bruno of Gonzales, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Dee Anne Miller, Jay Mangiaracina and wife Farrah, Tara Swango and husband Brent, Nicholas Mangiaracina, David Mangiaracina and wife Paula, John Mangiaracina and Daniel Mangiaracina; a step-grandson, Richard Just and wife April and 13 great-grandchildren. Jasper was employed by the Ford Motor Company Stamping Plant located in Chicago Heights, Illinois for 21 years. He was a United States Army Veteran and served during World War II. He was a member of the Lake Land Church of Christ in Mattoon, and a life member of the American Legion Post 1030 in Calumet City. Jasper was always active in the community in which he resided. While in Calumet City he was a Boy Scout and Cub Scout Leader, served on the School Board and was involved in political organizations. After locating to Charleston, he continued to be involved with organizations such as the Charleston Sr. Center not only as a member but a board member, the Life Span Center and was a member and former President of the Fox Ridge State Park Foundation. His hobbies included fishing, woodworking, ceramics and collecting elephants. People were attracted to Jasper's light-hearted personality and wonderful sense of humor and he was blessed with enduring friendships throughout the years. His smile was infectious and it was always pleasant to be in his company. Jasper was a man of faith who dearly loved his family. He was a devoted and loving husband and he and Bea enjoyed experiencing life together - they were inseparable. He was a good provider for his family and positive role model for his children and grandchildren. He will be missed but the wonderful memories of special times shared will always be treasured by his family and friends.
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