Richard Anthony Mangino

Husband, Father, Teacher, Soccer Coach, Mentor and Friend

Richard Mangino, 84, of Arcade, died Friday, February 16, 2024 following a brief illness at Roswell Park in Buffalo, New York. Born on February 14, 1940 in Orchard Park, he was the son of the late Edith (nee Saracina) Mangino and the late Anthony Mangino. Richard married his wife Esther (nee Keith) Mangino on February 27, 1965 in Orchard Park.

Richard grew up in Orchard Park, graduating from Orchard Park High School in 1957. He attended SUNY Fredonia where he earned a BA in Elementary Education in 1962. He played on the first men's varsity soccer team in 1960 and 1961. He continued his education at SUNY Potsdam, graduating in 1972 with an MS in Science.

Richard began his Pioneer Central School District teaching career in 1965 at Arcade Elementary, teaching 6th grade. In 1969, he moved to Pioneer High School and taught Biology and Microbiology until he retired in 1996 after 35 years. During his tenure at Pioneer, he started the boys soccer program in 1968, served as the Boys Varsity Soccer Coach for 21 years and coached the Girls JV Soccer Team in 1987 and later in 1996. In 1986 Richard received the Floyd Peckham Award from the WNY Soccer Referees Association for "outstanding contribution and dedication to high school soccer."

Richard served in several leadership roles within the Pioneer Faculty Association, including several terms as President. After retirement, he continued to serve as a mentor to in-service PFA leaders and received the Legacy Award from the New York State United Teachers in 2022.

He also served the community and was an active Assistant Scout Master for Troop 55 of Arcade for 15 years, coached an Arcade Area Soccer Club's U-17 Boys Team for three years, and an Olympic Develop Program Team within the United States Youth Soccer Federation. He coached summer camp programs at Grove City College for 13 years and coached at Classic Soccer Academy Camps in Dacula, Georgia.

Richard enjoyed reading, traveling, woodworking, biking, hiking, canoeing, and playing his banjo in bluegrass jam sessions. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports.

Richard is survived by his wife, Esther; sister, Kathleen (Jeff) Diskin of Florida; children: David (Lisa) of Orchard Park, Robert (Karen) of Pendergrass, GA, and Elizabeth (Kirk) Winters of East Aurora; grandchildren: Samuel, Adrian, Giovanna, Nicholas, Benjamin, and Liam.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the United Church of Christ, 297 Main St., Arcade, NY at 11:00am on Saturday, March 16, 2024 with Pastor Josh Bower as officiant. Please visit www.wsdavisfuneralhome.com to offer condolences. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's name to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (www.roswellpark.org), Arcade Volunteer Fire Company (145 North St., Arcade, NY 14009), or Boy Scout Troop 55 (c/o Marcia Mayer, 6997 Rt. 98, Arcade, NY 14009).