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The Life of Ricardo Benjamin Mandarano

Ricardo Benjamin Mandarano “Rick The Plumber,” of Conshohocken, died peacefully at the age of 91, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery.
Born in Philadelphia, to Clementina (Ventresca) and Francis Xavier Mandarano, he grew up on Boone Street in Manayunk. Rick attended St. John the Baptist in Manayunk, where he laughingly recalled a nun telling him he was like “an empty barrel rolling down the hill - makes a lot of noise but nothing inside.” She couldn’t have been more wrong about Rick who was filled with love, loyalty, strength, wisdom, humor, and an unshakable work ethic.
 
Rick was a Plumber, taught by his brother-in-law, Anthony “Scats” Mascaro. Rick was meticulous about his work, left the worksite “cleaner then when he got there,” and charged prices lower standard, and often accepted trade for payment - we had the coolest shuffleboard machine.  Rick was a 47-year member of Plumbers Union Local 690.
 
Rick was a diehard Phillies fan often referring to them as a “bunch of bums,” but was their biggest cheerleader.  Dad loved old movies, amassing a collection of over 2000, including those by his favorite actors John Wayne and Jimmy Cagney.  Rick did crossword puzzles from the Daily News every day.  He created his own crossword puzzle dictionaries. And there wasn’t any repair he couldn’t make, give him a roll of gray tape and, problem solved.  He was famous for his MacGyver-like creations. Dad enlisted in the US Navy on April 20, 1950, five days after his 18th birthday, serving during the Korean War on the USS Shenandoah AD 26.
 
Rick was preceded in death by son Ricardo F. Mandarano, and sister Marie Mascaro. He is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 60 years, Hannah (Zimmerman), who stood by his side through thick and thin and cared for him without fail. He will be greatly missed by his children Hannah (Steven Steff), Rachel (Chuck Jones), and Frank (Jennifer Roland). 11 Grandchildren Carly, Sarah, Frank, and Carmella Mandarano, Juliet, Sonja and Jordin Steff, Paige and Ethan Jones, and Kyle and Leah Mandarano, who all lovingly called him PopPop. Rick is survived by his older sister, Rita DeSanto and little brother, Joseph Mandarano. So long brother.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rick's life at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 215 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA. Visitation Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 10:00 Memorial: 11:00
Interment following.

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Military Service

War:
Korea
Branch:
United States Navy
Rank:
Unknown