Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Submitted by the family

Marvin Mandell, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. He lived a great and healthy life that was filled with lots of love and laughter from his family and friends. He never stopped joking.

Marvin was born Aug. 10, 1928. He entered the military when he was 18 years old, served for two years as a private first class with Company F 110th Infantry Regiment during WWII, and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. During his years in the Army, he received the WWII Victory Medal, the American Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal.

After returning from the war, he moved to Florida and attended the University of Miami and earned both bachelors and masters degrees in English. He met his wife, Pat, on a blind date and they were married for almost 66 years at the time of her passing in 2015.

Marvin was a teacher, guidance counselor and principal until 1968 before moving his family to Orlando so he could join the family business (Greater Construction) as a builder. In 1975, at the age of 50, he decided to go to law school and after passing the bar, practiced law until he retired.

During his lifetime, he participated in many sports, including basketball, high diving, jai alai, snow skiing, racquetball and craps (to him it was a sport), but his greatest passion was golf (he had 8 holes-in-one), even taking a lesson two months before he passed so he could maintain his single digit handicap. His golfing buddies nicknamed him “Marvelous.”

Marvin is survived by his three daughters, Robin Ferrara (Dominick), Lisa Mandell and Melanie Schreiber (Ron); as well as four grandchildren—Brooke Rosenberg (Todd), Brian Himot (Tricia), Ryan Schreiber (Shadai) and Mallory Schreiber; five great-grandchildren—William, Noah, Rex, Ellis and Theo; brother, James Mandell, MD (Valerie MD); and many nieces and nephews who adored him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; brother, Lester; and sister, Gloria.

All who knew him say, “Hats off to you Marvelous. We were blessed to call you father, Gramps, husband, brother, uncle and friend.”

Graveside services and internment were held at Temple Israel Cemetery with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating.

In memory of Marvin Mandel, the family requests contributions to Vitas Hospice (vitas.com) or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando FL 32810. 407-599-1180 http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com.