Henry Joseph Mandese's Obituary
Henry Mandese, age 66, just weeks before his October 29 birthday, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2022, due to complications from diabetes and congestive heart failure. There is no doubt that the moment he roared through the gates of Heaven, he greeted every single person that he has ever known. His grieving family takes comfort in knowing that he is getting ready for hunting season at a hunt club that he has already organized. Henry was a character who had a personality that was larger than life and delighted in making people laugh. We are certain that Heaven will never quite be the same since his arrival.
One of Henry’s greatest gifts was his unwavering loyalty, devotion, and dedication to his family and friends. He treasured his grandchildren and embraced every possible moment with them. Henry was a humble man who wanted nothing more than creating priceless memories with his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. His untimely passing has created a void that can never be filled, and his family and friends are broken-hearted.
Henry would literally give you the shirt off his back, if you needed it. His generosity knew no bounds and he never met a stranger. If you went anywhere with him, it was impossible to leave, because it took an eternity for him to speak with everyone on the way out of the door. Until his health made it impossible to continue, he never missed breakfast with his much-loved buddies and participating in weekly Trivia Night at his favorite watering hole.
Henry was a proud graduate of Chamberlain High School and will forever be a “Fighting Chief.” He always took great pride in being tapped as Best Dressed in his Senior Year and his penchant for mischief making and shenanigans were well documented, as his friends and family will wholeheartedly attest. He spent his career as a Property Appraiser for Hillsborough County and never failed to entertain his numerous co-workers with his unlimited supply of colorful stories.
Henry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph and Frances Mandese; grandparents, Anthony and Mary Mandese; Joseph and Jennie Matassini; as well as treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Jenna Wilson, son-in-law Eddy Wilson; son, Joseph Mandese, wife, Fernanda Mandese; adored grandchildren, Curtis Joseph (CJ), Gracy and Maxwell Wilson; Luciana and Michael Mandese, and Sophia Hernandez; sister, Mary Frances Ledo, brother-in-law, Rex Ledo; nephews, R.J., and Joseph Ledo; aunts, Dean Matassini, Chris Brisendine and Nancy Gafford. Special, heartfelt thanks are sent to Shane Leamon, who was like a brother to him, the Monte, Ippolito and Matassini cousins; and Grace Brace, for her love and support during this difficult time.
A celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Memorial Gardens 12609 Memorial Drive, Trinity Fl., 34655 on Monday, October 10, 2022. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Trinity Memorial Gardens. Flowers are welcome and if you wish to donate, please consider the Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
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