A pillar of the neighborhood, Buddy Mangini, 85
By Cary Shuman
If there have been a social taking place, neighborhood occasion, or essential assembly held in East Boston in the course of the previous a number of many years, Albert J. “Buddy” Mangini Sr., was little question within the room.
And Buddy, as he was recognized all through “his” neighborhood, was seen greeting his quite a few buddies and different neighborhood leaders with a welcoming smile, main the occasion itself as a essential organizer, delivering remarks from the rostrum in his trademark, oratorically splendid type, or simply doing no matter he may to make sure his fellow East Bostonians had been having fun with the event.
Buddy’s key function in organizing the Christopher Columbus Day Parade every year won’t ever be forgotten for the enjoyment the occasion delivered to households and the popularity it bestowed on Columbus, the famed and brave Italian explorer who found America in 1492.
His management positions within the Kiwanis Membership of East Boston and on the Chamber of Commerce are additional testaments to the esteem wherein he was held and the belief members had in his diligent management.
Albert J. “Buddy” Mangini Sr., a buddy to East Boston all through his life, died on March 11, 2025, after a prolonged sickness. He was 85.
Marisa DiPietro, a buddy and equally towering presence with Mr. Mangini on the Kiwanis Membership and Chamber of Commerce by the years, and a part of Kiwanis’ honor roll of stalwarts that included Dr. Matt Mallen, Edmund Coletta, Frank Durante, Clark Moulaison, Carol Simpson, Invoice Chisolm, and John Gillis, and others, expressed her unhappiness on the lack of Buddy Mangini.
“I’m so sorry about his passing,” stated DiPietro. “What an exquisite man he was. He was such a very good buddy and such a mentor to me. This can be a massive loss for the neighborhood and for me, specifically, as a result of he was such a very good buddy. He’s going to be missed by so many individuals”
DiPietro stated she met Buddy Mangini a few years in the past by their involvement within the Kiwanis Membership of East Boston.
“We did a lot collectively at Kiwanis,” recalled DiPietro. “We had a protracted affiliation, and we accomplished numerous service tasks collectively. We traveled to worldwide and division conventions in Vancouver, San Antonio, and Montreal.”
DiPietro stated that she and Buddy Mangini “began a pattern of being president for 3 consecutive years.”
“At one level, we had a tough time getting folks to step as much as be president,” stated DiPietro. “It turned a factor with Buddy and me. After I accomplished my presidency after three years, Buddy ended up being president for 3 years as properly.”
That state of affairs unfolded once more when DiPietro turned Kiwanis lieutenant governor for 2 years and Buddy Mangini adopted in that distinguished put up. The 2 buddies later took on the place as president of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce.
“Our careers in Kiwanis mirrored one another,” stated DiPietro pridefully. “We beloved Kiwanis, and we beloved being of service to our membership and the neighborhood.”
DiPietro stated Mr. Mangini was at all times greeted warmly at Kiwanis occasions.
“Everybody knew Buddy. Everyone beloved Buddy. He was such a fantastic man. He was a legend at Kiwanis,” stated DiPietro.
Reflecting on her a few years in East Boston, DiPietro commented, “I’ve had such nice folks in my life, however undoubtedly Buddy Mangini was one of many biggest. He was at all times there and able to serve. He was at all times there for the seniors in our neighborhood, notably for the picnic we held yearly. And naturally, he was the grasp of the Columbus Day Parade. He was every little thing to everybody. He embodied service and dedication to the neighborhood.”
Rep. Madaro, Sen. Edwards take part tributes to
Mr. Mangini
Rep. Adrian Madaro and Sen. Lydia Edwards had been among the many state officers paying tribute to Mr. Mangini this week.
“Buddy Mangini was a devoted chief and a buddy to many,” stated Rep. Madaro. “He was a pillar of our neighborhood and a guiding presence at establishments and occasions that outline East Boston. He impressed us to work towards a greater future, and his legacy will proceed to affect generations to come back. We mourn his passing and lengthen our deepest condolences to his household and family members throughout this tough time.”
Sen. Edwards stated Mr. Mangini’s lifetime of service to his neighborhood was appreciated by all in East Boston.
“I don’t know a corporation that existed in East Boston that Buddy didn’t take part in,” stated Sen. Edwards. “He went to extra conferences and celebrations than anybody I do know. He was there within the more durable instances and was there to have fun and remind us of how Eastie has modified however stayed the identical. He was our coronary heart and will probably be deeply missed.”
