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Mario Mandina passed on to his heavenly Father on Sunday, January 10, 2010 surrounded by his family and in the comfort of his home. Mario was born May 12, 1946 in Kansas City, MO to Bill and Margaret (Kaminsky) Mandina. Mario spent his entire life in the Kansas City area and was proud of his upbringing in the North End and of his Sicilian roots. Mario highly respected his immigrant ancestors who came to this country with so little, yet built strong families and communities – the building blocks of his own faith, family and love of country. He graduated East High, went on to UMKC, graduated UMKC Law School in 1973 and completed his LLM there three years later. Mario enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970.
Mario was predeceased by his parents, his brother Joseph, and his first wife Sybille. He is survived by his wife Kathleen; daughter Victtoria Conner (Shon) and their children Breck, Kaitlyn, and Sophia; son Mario Michael Mandina and his daughter Kaylei. He is also survived by his brother Bill Mandina (Shirley); sister Madalaine Mandina (Steve); brother Tom Mandina (Angie); and many nieces and nephews. Mario is also survived by his stepchildren and grandchildren whom he loved and enjoyed: Christine Barnhart (John), Douglas Matuszeski (Susan), John Matuszeski (Mary), Robert Matuszeski (Penny), and Michael Matuszeski (Stacie), and many grandchildren he inherited through marriage. Mario’s wish for a large family was achieved through the addition of his stepchildren and their children.
Mario spent many years practicing law in Kansas City and Independence and made many friendships in the legal profession throughout his career. He was a man of high integrity and compassion. His word was his oath. Besides his faith, family, and love of country, Mario was dedicated to the Culture of Life. He would not let anything interfere with his dedication to the Pro-Life cause. He was active with Missouri Right to Life, and on its board for many, many years. He chaired the Eastern Jackson County Chapter for 15 years. He was instrumental in planning and facilitating the Life Chain each fall in Kansas City and Blue Springs. He had been on the Boards of Directors for the Community of the Good Shepherd and also Immaculotta Manor, homes for the developmentally challenged members of society. He volunteered his time and energy by taking the CGS men to ball games, the circus, fishing trips, and barbecues in his own backyard. Mario was founder of Lawyers for Life Kansas City Chapter, as well as being one of the nine founding members of the National Lawyers Association, a national bar association which honors the Declaration of Independence and the sanctity of life. He was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Fidelis Council #6506, a lector at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, a staunch Roman Catholic, and a fighter for those who could not fight for themselves. Mario was the force behind the start up of the St. Joseph Table at St. Robert Bellarmine in 1993 (all profits benefit those in need). Mario received many awards and recognition plaques during his life and service, two of the most recent awards were The St. Thomas More Award from the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kansas City (the first recipient), and the Joe Palermo Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to Missouri Right to Life. While proud of recognition for his accomplishments, his greatest rewards came from doing the right thing, having a peaceful family life, and sharing joyous occasions together with family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124. Visitation will also be held 8:30-9:45 a.m. Thursday, January 14, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 4313 SW Hwy 7, Blue Springs, MO 64014, where the Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus at 9:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday. Burial will follow in Mt. Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.
Pallbearers are Bill Mandina Jr., Charlie Mandina, Frank Mandina, and Ben Mandina, all nephews. Honorary Pallbearers are Victor Weiler, Steve Sheddrick, Ron Anielak, Mike Micek, Bill Griffin, Ed Newlin, and Don Hutton.
In lieu of flowers, the Mandina family wishes any charitable contributions made in Mario’s name be directed to Missouri Right to Life - Eastern Jackson County; or the Community of the Good Shepherd.
The family wishes to thank Dignity Healthcare and Catholic Community Hospice for their devoted care of Mario during his illness, Bishop Finn for his steady support and interest, and Dr. Austin Welsh for his advice and care for Mario.
(arr: Passantino Bros. Funeral Home (816) 471-2844)
Passantino Bros. Funeral Home
Charles L. Passantino
Gary R. Bertoncin
2117 Independence Boulevard
Kansas City, Missouri 64124-2311
TEL: (816) 471-2844 / FAX: (816) 471-0491 |
