Bob “Ralph” Mandato Sr., age 85 of Eastlake, passed away February 28th, 2020 at Lake West Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 1, 1934, in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood to the late Carmen and Mary Mandato.
Bob worked at Eaton Axle Corp. for over 20 years. He then worked many years as a custodian at Beachwood Hilltop School.
Bob graduated from Cathedral Latin in 1954 where he was a hall of fame football and basketball player. He later coached football and basketball (state champs) at Cathedral Latin. He coached many sports at many high schools including Richmond Hts., Beachwood, Chagrin Falls and Eastlake North. He loved kids and coached many youth sports.
Bob was an icon in the softball community for over 30 years. He was a legendary manager of many teams, and he was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Slo-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Mr. Mandato was all about Eastlake North sports and would attend as many athletic events as he could. He had the honor of watching his sons, daughters and grandchildren participate in many sports and activities throughout his years. If you didn’t see him at a sporting event, you would find Bob at Biagio’s Donut Shop.
Bob’s greatest accomplishment was the love he had for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was especially excited to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Kathy, this year.
He is the loving husband of 50 years to Kathy Mandato (nee Ludwick); dearest father of Bobby Jr. “Skinny” (Kris Sivillo – fiancée), Brenda Mandato, Stacy Mandato and John (Angelique) Mandato; grandfather of Erica (Scott) Brokos, Nicole Mandato, Gabriella Mandato, Jake and Carli Wilson, Alysia, Maria and Vince Mandato; great grandfather of Parker and Presley Brokos; brother of the late Michael, Norma Jean Micale and Ronnie; brother in law of Sue Mandato, Jim Micale, Janet Mandato, Cindy (Walter) Gross, Margy Ludwick, Scott Ludwick, and the late John Ludwick; father in law of Greg Wilson; uncle of many; many extended family and dear friends.
The Mandato family will receive friends 2-7:30 PM Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor. Funeral Services will be at 7:30 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. A private burial will be at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Services.
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24 Replies to “Bob “Ralph” Mandato Sr.”
My thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult time. I love you all.
Mandato Families please except my deepest sympathy in your loss. I will pray to the Lord to give you all strength in your time of great sorrow. God Bless!
Ralph will always be like a father to me. Even after the many changes that happened in my life he never changed the way he was to me. I’m going to miss riding down Vine Street and see him sitting on the bench outside of biagios and stopping and talking to him. I miss and love him a lot.
Your legacy of love, family, friendship, sports and community will live on through the countless people you have love, encouraged, coach and mentored throughout your life. The world has lost a great family man but heaven has definitely again a beautiful soul.
Greatest manager ever, but more important, he was like a second father to me and many.What a great motivator, I will miss you big skinny, but I will never forget how much you allowed me to have. Please say hi to Mr. I and Mr G for me. Love you
great man will be missed by many
He touched many peoples lives, and will be missed.
Bobby was not just a great athlete, he was a great person. I always enjoyed our interaction when I would run into him. When my grandkids stay over we go to Biagios for donuts and he was always there and always greeted us warmly. We will miss him! RIP Coach!
Dearest Kathy and family,
Mike and I send our deepest condolences and prayers at the loss of your beloved husband. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers!! God bless!
Bob coached me at Cathedral Latin in football. I waa the smallest kid on the team. I had the biggest balls on the team but no ass too back them up. lol He didn`t remember me from then. lol We both had fun watching our kids play sports. I love him Kathy and the whole Mandato family. Especilly John. I felt John was another son. May he rest in peace.
R.I.P. will miss seeing you at all the sports games , etc. you will be missed by many but most of all your family , proud to know you and your family , i know if they dont play sports in heav en they will now.
♥️
Bobby will be forever missed! His personality & smile always made everyone feel welcome! He loved his family and extended softball family! There is no doubt he truly loved the game! He was a true competitor and if you had the opportunity to play for him… you were family! We send our thoughts and prayers to
All his family, friends and players! Rest In Peace Bobby! We love and will miss you!
My favorite coach at Cathedral Latin High School for varsity Football in 1978-1979!
Someone once told me there will be people in your life that leave footprints on your soul. This man was one of those people. Growing up, I remember seeing his contagiously smiling face at millions of softball games. He never got tired of listening to me ramble on and on about the least important details of my stories. And don’t let me forget Biagios Donuts, their wasn’t a time I was there when he wasn’t. To be honest, he was the best part of the trip, even better than the donuts. He was the proudest father and grandfather I have ever met, always talking about his family while his eyes lit up. This world truly wont be the same without you Bobby. You are so so loved. Thank you for everything. ❤️
I will truly miss Bob ( coach) .
I would walk in to Biagios and there he was to greet me with a hug and kiss on 5he cheek and tell me to sit and relax with him. We would play tag coffee paid game but he always won! Definitely will miss that contagious smile that would lighten my day. Thank you for being so kind and loving to all. Prayers for comfort for the beautiful family and Ms Kathy.
Kathy and all the members of Ralph’s family,
I want you all to know that it has been an honor being with you and Ralph at Lake West. I’m amazed we fit everyone in his room! But in that room was sooo much love for Ralph from each of you. As he loved you, so you loved and cared for him too. You are an awesome family! Please know that you continue to be in my daily prayers and Masses. I will be thinking of you too, when I go to Chick Fila for an order of chicken nuggets too! God’s Peace and Love be with each of you.
Prayers to the entire family. Mr. Mandato was a great man who always provided plenty of laughs when he visited us at Mount Union. Our deepest condolences from Johns Mount Union Football brothers. God Bless
Oh Ralphie,,,, I love you so much!! You have always been so good and kind to me throughout all these years! I always appreciated and respected you like you were my own father! I already miss our times we would spend together!!! You raised four loving children! You have eight loving grandchildren, two adorable great granddaughters, who all show love and compassion as you always did! You were truly blessed as are all of us because of you Ralphie!! God how I miss you so!! Rest peacefully my loving friend! Xoxo
A Great Athlete , A Great Coach , A Great Friend , A Great Man , Mr Mandato day Hello to Ricky Ray & Donny Tropiano another GOODFELLA GONE RIP
I will always remember that smile that would brighten the room. His larger than life persona coupled with his love and calming nature were something I’ve always admired and try to emulate in my own life and relationships. He has been a role model for me with regard to my relationship with my son. The bible says to judge a man by the fruit he bares and that being said, you don’t find a better family. I can hear him now asking how my son is doing and being genuinely interested in my response. One last memory is how he loved children and more specifically… loved to feed them. Any time my son and I were around, the first words out of his mouth were “come on, get something to eat”. My son and I both will be forever grateful for your subtle influences on our lives. God speed Mr Mandato. I love you Mandato family.
Prayers to all of the Mandato family, he was a special man loved by so many people! Rest In Peace Bob Mandato
Good ole pops… help coached me from my first year to the last year of football. The amount of advice he gave me for not only football but life is unforgettable.. I’ll never forgot you and will make sure to make your memory live on.. Rest In Peace pops I love ya…
Just heard that Bobby passed away, so sorry to hear, Prayers go out to Mrs. Mandato, Skinny, Stacey. Spent many years playing for him. Time flies and i cant believe the 3 men who were are coaches for many years are gone. Mr I and Mr G. and Bobby all back together . God Bless
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