Henry C. Mandela, Sr., age 94, of Derby entered into rest on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Birmingham Health Center with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted wife of almost 60 years to Joan (Watts) Mandela.
Hank was born in Derby, on November 6, 1921, son of the late Charles and Anna (Hargas) Mandela and was a lifelong Derby resident.
Prior to enlisting in the Army, he worked at the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Voluntown to help support his family. He served as a Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Army during WWII. Hank was the owner of Mandela Brothers Garage until his retirement in 1983. After his retirement, he taught Automotive Collision, Repair and Refinishing at Platt Technical High School. Along with his friends, he built his family home.
In his retirement years, Hank was an avid reader, gardener, and enjoyed tinkering in his garage. Most of all, He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Hank offered to introduce Shelton High School students to the Automotive Body Repair career.
He is the beloved father of, Lawrence and Kristyna Mandela, Henry Mandela, Jr., Carolyn and Vincent Garofalo, Jr., Rita and William Ray, and Audrey and James Vasilas, sister of, Mae Marganski and Sophie Pronewicz. Hank is the loving grandfather of, Bryan, Matthew, Nicole, Eric, Michael, Billy, Bobby, Jimmy, Jessica, Timothy, Michael, Caitlin and Sean, great grandfather of, Tyler, Evan, Chloe, Jordyn, Jayden, Breanna, Jada, Noah, Jonah, Cameryn, Jude, Sean, Jr., Serenity, and Cayman. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He is the predeceased by a son Charles Mandela, four brothers, Joseph, Charles, Walter and John Mandela, and three sisters, Millie Orlowski, Irene Sicilia, and Claire Kolochuk.
Friends may call on Saturday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. His funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the VA CT Healthcare Systems, 950 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT 06516.
Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.
