James “Gino” Mangino 87, of Chalk Bluff, passed away Monday, November 14, 2022.
Visitation and Viewing: 5 – 7 PM, November 19 at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Service: 10AM Friday, December 9 at First Baptist Church of Gholson.
James was born December 10, 1934 in Russellville, Alabama to Louis Mangino and Annie Allen Mangino. He was a member of the Waco community since 1977 and a member of First Baptist Church of Gholson. James served 23 years in the United States Air Force. He was a crew chief with the 53d Weather Reconnaissance, also know as “Hurricane Hunters”. He retired at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He worked as the Chief of Aircraft Maintenance at TSTC from 1977 until he retired in 2020. He received the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award in 2010. This is presented by the Federal Aviation Administration in recognition of more then 50 years as an aviation technician. Among his other achievements he attended MCC where he obtained his realtor license.
James loved spending time with his wife, family and friends. Even though he was a man of few words, this did not mean he didn’t have a witty sense of humor. Once you got to know him, his joking side would come out. One example everyone remembers is; When asked how he was doing, he would simply reply with a straight face “terrible”. If you knew Gino then you knew that meant he was good. Among some of his other hobbies was a passion for bowling and golfing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, JoAnn Clanton; brother, Charles Mangino; and daughter, Donna Griffin.
He is survived by wife of 66 years, Helen Niemeyer Mangino of Chalk Bluff; daughters, Debra Mann (Marc) of Auburn, WA, Destiny “Dusty” Young (Jamie) of Gholson; grandsons, Nicholas Mann (Jeanina) of Homestead, FL, Christopher Mann of Enterprise, AL, and James “BJ” Young of Gholson; granddaughters, Daniella Roberts (Jeremy) of Ft. Irwin, CA, and McKenzie Mann of Auburn, WA; great-granddaughter, Summer Mann of Enumclaw, WA; and great-grandson, Nathaniel Mann of Homestead, FL.
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Gino was a great man, I am without words.
May God’s Love and Peace surround Helen , the family and all loved ones!
Gino is the presence of Jesus where he is rejoicing and waiting at the reunion table for those he has temporarily left.
Helen and Family, my Prayers are with with at this time. So sorry for the loss of Gino. Prayers for Peace in the days to come🙏🏻🙏🏻
Please accept my condolences and sympathy.
Gino was such a fine man and touched so
many lives.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Helen, I am so very sorry to read about Gino. He was such a great man! Enjoyed bowling with you both throughout the years. Sending prayers and hugs for you and the family. Fly high Gino!
We are keeping you and your family in our prayers, Gino will be greatly missed. Love Verna Story and family.
If there ever was an Uncle who was a Super Hero to me , it was Uncle Buddy . When I was in Elementry school I was always talking – and bragging — about my Uncle Buddy . Yes he had a reply of Terrible , every time you asked him how he was . If he ever gave me or anyone else a different answer I would have probably passed out . Uncle Buddy , I enjoyed and will miss our — MANGINO AEROSPACE — deep conversations . It is you and Dad that I got into the Aerospace field for 46 years . Uncle Buddy , you were the 1st. group in the U.S. Air Force that was in the HURRICANE HUNTERS while you were stationed in Puerto Rico in the 1960’s with the 53rd group. You always flew as Crew Cheif during the mission and ALWAYS step up and flew into the HURRICANE , so the other young airmen would not have too. You had a beautyful loving family and a beautiful life . You made a big difference to this country, U.S.A. , me and everyone around you . Love , STACY MANGINO – Tullahoma Tenn.
Sending you all love and prayers. I have no words to ease your loss except what grand time they are having in heaven. Gino was a great man and the world is poorer for having him gone from it. ❤️ Love you all!
Oh, how I wish I could have met him. He was just a few months younger than my father, his first cousin, Billy Mangino. They grew up in Russellville together. He looked so much like his dad, Louis, my great Uncle. These words and photos are wonderful. I know this grief is hard and his passage leaves an enormous hole that I pray will be filled quickly with his sweet memory. Mangino love to you all! ❤
Sincerely,
Andrea Mangino Kring
Birmingham, AL
My condolences and prayers to Helen and the Mangino family. May your many memories bring you comfort and peace.
Immeasurable loss, but Heavens gain. I am grateful for Luigi and Giovanna Mangino (Buddy’s grandparents), who took a giant leap, left Sicily and came to America. It’s an honor to be called “Gino” like Buddy, my father and also my sons. God bless you Gino.
Love,
Matthew Mangino & Family 🇮🇹
Tuscumbia, Alabama
Dear Mangino Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Gino’s passing. He was such a nice person, I worked with him at Aerospace at TSTC and yes I would ask him how he was and it was always terrible. He made me smile alot. He always told me some fascinating stories and I really enjoyed working with him. I know he will be missed by many. GOD Bless you all and May God Bless Gino and may he rest in the heavens above.
Blessings,
Debbie Jones
I send my deepest condolences and prayers that our Lord will fill your days with His peace.