Louis (Lou) V. Mangiaracina died at his home in Livingston, New Jersey, on July 20, 2016. Family and friends were invited to visit on Monday, July 25, at La Monica Funeral Home, Livingston. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, July 26, at St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church, Livingston. Burial followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, New Jersey. Lou was born on January 18, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, the sixth child of George and Angela Mangiaracina, and was raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Lou and his beloved wife, Giselda, lived in Bloomfield, Newark, and Oregon before settling in Livingston in 1959. Lou was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Giselda. He is survived by his children, Concetta (Darrell) Buckner, George (Michele) Mangiaracina, Angela (Peter) Castagna, and Louis (Marianne) Mangiaracina; his grandchildren, Matthew and Benjamin Buckner, Louis (Dayna), George and Kaela Mangiaracina, Noelle, Cara and Kristen Castagna, Arielle, Michael and Leah Mangiaracina; and one great-grandchild Jayden. In addition to his beloved wife, he was pre-deceased by his parents, and his siblings, George, Palma, Russ, Leonarda, Louis and Anthony. Lou proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the occupation in Germany. Always the life of the party, Lou found humor in even the dark moments of life. He loved a great "caper," and was the mastermind of many a "caper" that brought boisterous laughter to his accomplices and the recipients. Lou was an insurance salesman for Prudential for 43 years, retiring 22 years ago. One of the founding members, he was active in St. Raphael Parish and School. A history buff, Lou traveled extensively, embracing the world, inspired and in awe of walking the same paths as those who came before. He was generous of heart and spirit, an uber Dad, and the person his family will always aspire to emulate. He believed and instilled in his family an ethic of hard work, taking risks, and a passion for life. We will miss you Dad, thank you for being ours, and we count ourselves as blessed for having you as our father and grandfather. "A little common sense, a little tolerance, a little good humor, and you don't know how comfortable you can make yourself on this planet." Amen, Dad! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Louis' memory to Smile Train, 41 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, New York, 10010.
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