Kathleen V. Mangiapane, 73, of New York, N.Y., passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday, July 29th, 2025. Her life was filled with the deep love she had for her beloved husband and family.

Kathleen was born in Bethesda, MD on April 10th, 1952. She was the daughter of Charles and Francesca Gonden.

She attended Woodbury University School of Media, Culture and Design in California before moving to New York City in 1967. Kathleen then attended Manhattan College and Columbia University and went on to open Butterfield Communications, becoming one of the first female executives to own a public relations business on Madison Avenue. After a successful career in PR, Kathleen ventured into property management as an independent property owner. As a modern, young woman in the city, Kathleen was highly involved in the women’s movement, organizing events and working alongside as a right hand to well-known activists including Bella Abzug and Gloria Steinem.

She was a mentor and advisor to friends and colleagues who often turned to her for guidance using her excellent business acumen. Kathleen also enjoyed hosting parties where she presented elaborate displays of her delicious, homemade feasts. When she found time to get away and relax, it was spent with family, eating delicious food, especially Maryland crabs.

Kathleen felt that there was nothing more important than her husband and her family. She was known for her sharp mind, strength, and “tell it like it is” attitude. Friends and family described her as beautiful, tenacious, big city cool, quick witted, but simply and uniquely the best.

Kathleen is survived by her beloved husband, Leonard Mangiapane, and loving stepson, Lenny Mangiapane and his wife, Randi. She was the dear sister of Marleen Baumgardner and Eileen Kaplan, predeceased by brother, James F. Gonden, the cherished aunt of Charleen, Chase, Chelsea, Dylan, and Neil and beloved grandmother of Stephen, Kara, and Jason. She is also survived by her great nephews and great niece.

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