James R. “Bucky” Mangello, age 84, passed away, Tuesday, November 21, 2023. He was born April 12, 1939 in Uniontown, PA, Bucky was the son of the late Joseph and Blanche Mangello. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Mangello (Patty), JoJo Mangello, Earl Mangello, Robert “Bob” Mangello; sisters, Dorothy Burke (late Ronald), Sylvia Jakobowski (late Edward) and his wife’s parents Jules and Ethel Valentine. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Left to cherish Bucky’s memory are his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon Mangello of Uniontown; daughters, Lisa Mollica (Joseph) and Renee Custer (James) all of Uniontown; grandchildren, Gianna Dascenzo (Corey), Gino Mollica (Nathaniel), Morgan Ezzi (Ricardo), and Mariah Custer and many relatives and friends.
In his early years, Bucky was a truck driver for Country Belle and Hagan Ice Cream Company. He then worked in various roles for Gallatin Fuels Inc. until retirement. Upon retirement, Bucky helped with deliveries at his daughter (Lisa) and son-in-law (Joseph) businesses Twins Treats and Valentine Pharmacy.
Bucky was a member of St. Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church. He was a 4th Degree Member of Assembly No. 926 of the Knights of Columbus Lodge in Uniontown, PA. Bucky was a lodge brother and former lodge President with the Sons of Italy Lodge Giuseppe Mazzini No. 231 in Uniontown, PA. He was involved in all activities and functions of the Sons of Italy, including Lenten and pasta dinners and the Italian Festivals. He loved to play the Italian games bocce and morra while spending time with his lodge brothers and sisters. Bucky loved his country and was proud of his Italian heritage. Bucky also enjoyed golfing with family and friends and was known for “shaving” a stroke or two off of his scorecard. He loved a cold beer, bloody mary, or a glass of Paisano wine. He made lifelong friendships sharing a cold one at the former Belmont Inn. He also enjoyed “quietly” watching Steeler games with family and friends over the years. Bucky’s greatest joy in life centered around his family. He was protective of them and thankful for them. He adored his beloved wife, Sharon, and appreciated her for everything. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones and the countless memories made. Bucky was a legend that lived his life his way and had a special way of making everyone smile. All who knew and loved him agree there will never be another Bucky
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA, where family and friends will be received on Friday, December 1st from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, December 2nd from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. followed by prayers of transfer. A funeral mass celebrating Bucky’s life will be held at 10 a.m. at St. Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park.
A parish wake service will be Friday at 3 PM. Assembly #926 of Knights of Columbus Lodge of Uniontown will hold a pray visual Friday at 5:15 PM and the Sons of Italy Lodge Giuseppe Mazzini # 231 will have a memorial service at 7 PM.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any of the following: Fayette County Community Action Agency Food Bank 108 N. Beeson Avenue, Uniontown, PA or Fayette Friends of Animals 223 Searight Herbert Road, Uniontown, PA.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at adferguson.com or the funeral home Facebook page.
