Fred Manderioli

Fred Arthur “Mandy” Manderioli, 88, died peacefully on March 3, 2015 at home in Fountain Hills, where he resided for more than 17 years.

Fred was the youngest of three surviving children born at home in New York, N.Y., on Oct. 14, 1926, to Arturo and Teresa (Fabbri) Manderioli.

Fred was raised in Greenwich Village where he graduated from Haaren High School of Aviation in 1943 and attended NYU. He proudly served his country by enlisting in the U. S. Naval Air Force in December 1943 and reaching the USN rank of Commander; Fred was honorably discharged in June, 1969.

During his time in the Navy, Fred participated in World War II (1943-1944), the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), the Korean Conflict (1952-1955), Cuba (1961/1962), and the Vietnam War (1964-1968).

Fred married “the love of his life,” Sofia Triestina Meucci, on Dec. 1, 1951. They “danced through life” together for over 40 years sharing love, laughter and a strong faith with their five daughters, Constance, Darice, Regina, Teri and Lisa.

Fred made his home in Maywood, N.J. 1957-1972; Vienna, Va. 1972-1980; and New Port Richey, Fla. 1980-1998, before moving to Fountain Hills to be closer to family.

Fred accrued 29,750 flying hours in the military and his 30-plus year career as a USAir commercial airline pilot. He was a fortunate man who loved his work and loved returning home to his family.

After retiring, Fred served as treasurer of the Soaring Eagles Retired Pilots Association for over 27 years. He was also an active member of the Fountain Hills Men’s Club and Catholic Church of the Ascension.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, wives Sofia and Marilyn, brother George, sister Dora, sister-in-law Marguerite, and daughters Regina (Steve) Manderioli-Baron and Darice Putterman.

He is survived by his daughters Constance (Gary) Potter of Las Vegas, Nev.; Teri (Ron) Watkins of Chandler, Ariz.; Lisa Manderioli Madonia of Fountain Hills; and son-in-law Bert Putterman of Aventura, Fla.; his 11 grandchildren Jason (Melissa) Potter and Abram (April) Potter in Texas; Tyler (Kristen) Putterman, Jared Putterman, Kira Putterman, Tristina (Brad) Longfellow, Rene Manderioli-Baron, Amy Watkins, Andrey Watkins, Jonathan Madonia, and Christina Madonia in Arizona; his eight great-grandchildren in Texas and Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews in New Jersey.

Fred had a gregarious personality and loved spending time with his family and friends. He left us with many precious memories and will be greatly missed.

Graveside services with full military honors, and internment with his wife, Sofia, were held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. A memorial mass was also held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension. Both were followed by receptions at his home.