Frank Mandina (96) of Kansas City passed away April 7th surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marian (Mendolia) and his 4 siblings. He is survived by his children Frank Jr., Marie Farris, and Kathy Fleming, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was born in St. Louis to Vito and Regina Mandina. The family moved to Kansas City when he was 5. After graduating Manual High School, he joined the Navy and proudly served his country on an LST in the South Pacific during World War II. In 1951, he met his future wife at a family wedding and spent 64 wonderful years together. In 1955, he started working for TWA as a mechanic and spent most of his 31-year career working on 747 engines at the overhaul base. With TWA he discovered a second family, attending many company functions like picnics and dances. He and his wife enjoyed numerous activities together such as going dancing, bowling on league teams, and playing BINGO at various halls throughout the city. He was an avid fisherman and spent many a day on lakes throughout Missouri. His well manicured lawn was the envy of the neighborhood and he enjoyed many hours tinkering in his garden. No family get-together would be complete without his signature dishes; Italian olives, bbq ribs, turkey and dressing, and waffles to name a few. Toward the end, when he could no longer work in his yard, he would sit and read late into the night. He was a colorful character and fantastic storyteller with a playful sense of humor. Frank cultivated relationships with everyone he met, drawing people in with his kindness and warmth. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” - George S. Patton Jr.