Harry P. Mangan Jr., 86, a lifelong resident of Hanover Twp., passed away peacefully at home Monday, July 4, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family.
His soulmate is the former Sylvia Strazdus, with whom he spent 70 years of his life (62 years of marriage on June 18 and eight years of dating prior).
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Born on April 26, 1936, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Bond Mangan and Harry P. Mangan Sr. He attended Hanover Area School District and later attained his GED while serving our country in the Army.
Despite obstacles that were placed in his path, Harry approached every single day of his life with a smile and a positive attitude. His entire life was devoted to serving and helping his family, country, church and community.
At 15 years old, his father passed away. He immediately quit school and worked numerous jobs in order to support his mother and siblings. “Junior” was loved and adored for all the sacrifices he made. His life of service continued when he signed up to serve six years in the Army. In February of 1961, he served our country for over a year in Korea. What he saw and experienced at a young age shaped and molded his entire life. He was always willing to “lend a hand” to his family members and friends, even right up to his passing.
He was a devoted Catholic who lived his faith daily. He was a member of the former St. Casimir’s Parish, Lyndwood, Hanover Twp., until its closing in 2010. He served on the 120th Anniversary Committee and volunteered for parish fundraisers and events.
For the past 12 years, he had been an active member of Exaltation of the Holy Cross Parish, Buttonwood, Hanover Twp. He thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the Pierogi Projects, Big Tent Bazaars, Soup for the Souls Committee and anything else that was going on throughout the year. He was instrumental in starting the Christmas Cookie Walk in 2011 to benefit the Youth Ministry program. He was known to all the youth and their families of the parish as “Grandpa Cookie.” His homemade baked goods were always a big hit at parish fundraisers and events.
He took great pride in his involvement with the Breslau Hose Company Station 5. He was a dedicated volunteer firefighter for over 50 years. He served in office as Sergeant at Arms for all the years he was involved. He was instrumental in the annual Bazaar, which brought thousands of individuals from all over the area to the fire hall grounds. New game stands, a stage for bands to perform and other major improvements were made possible by his vision and implementation. Whether it was the Night at the Races, comedy shows, spaghetti dinners, potato pancake sales, Lenten food sales, golf tournament or whatever else was going on, Harry was always the first to arrive eager to give his all in order to make the event successful. Members of the Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary were truly family to Harry and Sylvia their entire lives.
In addition, when his children were young, he coached baseball and served as the president of the BILAA Little League. He also volunteered at fundraisers for Good Shepherd Polish National Catholic Church, Plymouth, Children’s Miracle Network and Zebra Communications at Wilkes University.
Prior to retiring in 2001, Harry was employed for 25 years at Old River Road Bakery and then for 24 years at CertainTeed, Mountain Top. In his free time, he loved to be with his beloved family. Simple gatherings like going to Denny’s for breakfast brought him so much joy and happiness. His favorite vacation was in 2007, when he went with his wife and all his children and grandchildren to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. He enjoyed occasional trips to the casino, long rides, going to various restaurants and cheering on the Raiders. Harry and Sylvia had their friends everywhere they went, and if it was someplace new, they made new friends almost immediately. After getting a smartphone, he enjoyed texting, taking photos everywhere he went and spending time on Facebook. His positive comments and statuses will certainly be missed by all his Facebook friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Ann Mangan; sisters, Dolores McNeil; and Barbra DeMorat; and brother, Joseph Mangan.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by children, son, Harry, and wife, Melanie, Rabun Gap, Ga.; daughter, Bonnie, and husband, Dominick Costantino Sr., Hanover Twp.; son, Scott, and wife, Teresa, Dallas; and son, Rodney, and wife, Melissa, Nanticoke; grandchildren, Dominick Costantino Jr., Bethany Costantino, Antonio Costantino and wife, Paige; Kaitlin Mangan, Dalton Mangan, Jared Mangan, Scott Mangan, Arianna Mangan, Skylar Mangan, Keyera Mangan, Rodney Mangan Jr. and Lucas Tomko; great-grandchildren, Josh Andress, Arianna Andress, Molly Mangan, Mackenzie Mangan, Peyton Nutaitis, Gracie Smith and Hayden Mangan; sister, Judy Mangan Chado; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Mangan, Louise Meyers, Marian Snyder and Betty Strazdus; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the amazing health care professionals who took care of him over the last 10 years. The doctors, nurses, aides and staff at many facilities became like family to Harry and Sylvia. Thank you also to the Rev. Richard Cirba for his spiritual support and friendship over the years.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday in Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, 420 Main Road, Buttonwood, Hanover Twp., with family friend and pastor, the Rev. Richard J. Cirba officiating. Interment will be held in St. Casimir’s Cemetery, Muhlenberg.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, 420 Main Road, Buttonwood, Hanover Twp.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Youth Ministry, an organization that he worked hard for and was passionate about.
Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, Plymouth.
Let us all live each day with Harry’s zeal, passion and joy for life!
To submit condolences to Harry’s family, please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com.
Published by Citizens Voice on Jul. 6, 2022.