John Kenneth Mangini

On December 9, 2019 John Kenneth Mangini, 78, passed away peacefully after a long illness and a courageous battle. John was born and raised in Manhattan, settled in Glen Rock, NJ to raise his family, and lived his last several years in the Kennett Square, PA area.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia (née Carroll), daughter Kathleen (Kate) Murphy, sons John (Lani Mangini), Kevin Mangini (April L. McKenzie), grandchildren, Jillian, Shane, Christina, John and Anna Jane. He was adored by and stood as a lasting role model for his O’Connor and Nagle niece and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents John J. and Margaret Mangini, son-in law Dennis Murphy, sister-in-law Eileen O’Connor, and brother-in-law John Carroll.

Family always came first – and baseball was John’s second passion in life.

Now batting for the New York Yankees, #16, John Mangini. That was the dream of a kid who grew up in baseball heaven, 1950’s New York City, rooting for his favorite team which seemingly won the World Series every year. While John never played for the Yankees, he was a life-long Yankee fanatic, beloved baseball coach, and during his youth and teens - a stellar baseball and football player.
As a husband, father and grandfather, John loved his wife and doted on his kids and grandkids; cheering them on in everything they did, from sports to school and life. His time as a youth baseball coach in Glen Rock, NJ saw John impact so many people. He made the game fun and instilled confidence in a generation of kids who still fondly recall his lessons and coaching style, whether they were a star or role player. Many a backyard session of baseball “situation” and “errors” were played on Chadwick Place - by all looking to improve or have some baseball fun.
In his business career, John excelled in finance and operations with long, successful stints in the music business; holding executive roles which included RCA Records, BMG and PolyGram Group Distribution. He was formally recognized for his innovative music distribution methods including the establishment of a “hits warehouse” concept to ensure the most popular records were quickly in the hands of consumers.

His family has no doubt that John is hanging out in heaven with his parents, son-in-law, and with his childhood hero – Phil Rizzuto (#10); regaling times when the delayed steal and double squeeze were the right moves to win.

In keeping with John’s passion for youth baseball, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s memory to the Positive Coaching Alliance whose mission is to create a positive, character-building youth sports environment that results in better athletes, better people.

To celebrate John’s life, please join us on January 18, 2020 at the Glen Rock Inn (222 Rock Rd, Glen Rock, NJ) for a meal and remembrance from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Please bring your stories!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Kenneth Mangini, please visit our floral store.