Life Legacy

Ernest William Mangini, 89, of West Haven, CT, formerly of Woodbridge, CT, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at the West Haven Veterans Administration Hospital after a long illness.  He was the beloved husband of Marie Pella Mangini for over 69 years.

Ernie was born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 6, 1920, the son of the late James and Rose Calamita Mangini. He was a combat infantry veteran of World War II, a member of the First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army “Big Red One” during the Ardennes Offensive, the Battle of the Bulge.  Ernie was an ex-prisoner of war who was liberated by the British army in April of 1945. He was awarded numerous medals and citations, most notably the Purple Heart, for his courage and outstanding service.

Ernie was a man of quiet dignity who loved spending time with his family and friends.  He touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather by his children, sons Ernest V. Mangini of Wallingford, Michael Mangini and wife Pamela of Hamden, and his treasured granddaughter, Melissa Mangini, also of Hamden.

Ernie was one of five brothers who served and fought for their country; he was predeceased by brothers Louis, Frank, Albert and Edward.  Edward, the youngest, was killed in action in April of 1945; Frank was also wounded and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Relatives and friends may call on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden.  A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 81 Center Road, Woodbridge, at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009.  Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Military Ex-Prisoners of War Foundation, 916 Bingham Drive, Fayetteville, NC, 28304.

“TRULY THE GREATEST GENERATION”

May God Bless