William J. Mangan, of West Chester, Longport, N.J, Naples, Fla. and formerly of Drexel Hill, died March 12. He was the beloved husband of Caroline (née Origlio) for 67 years, loving father of Marianna Curran (Bill), Bill Jr. (Kim), and Caroline O'Halloran (Rich), devoted grandfather of Shane (Adriana), Kara, Will, Brenna, Nikki, Patrick and Drew, dear brother of Jack Mangan, Frank Mangan and the late Thomas and Catherine O'Neill.
Bill had an unconventional childhood. He spent much of his youth at St. John's, an orphanage in West Philly before moving in with his beloved uncle Bill. He worked sweeping floors then tending bar at Mangan's Café, his family's tavern, while he attended St. Thomas More High School and LaSalle University. During a weekend leave from the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he walked into Origlio Beverage to buy beer for the bar and met his lifelong love, the owner's daughter, Caroline Origlio.
Over the course of his nearly 70-year career, Bill owned nine restaurants including McKenzie Brew Houses in Chadds Ford, Malvern and Devon, the Drexel Ale House, a 35-year institution in Upper Darby, and Café La Grande.
He enjoyed nothing more than paging through The Inquirer on his sunny porch in Longport, his Sunday morning circuit (Mass/breakfast out/Home Depot), and sharing his expertise on everything from home repairs to the proper seasoning of Jersey tomatoes. Bill never really retired; he tended to his businesses, fought for his health, and cherished his family. Always.
Friends and relatives are invited to his visitation 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 18, at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Ct., West Chester with a funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. (COVID safety protocols). Int. Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Thomas More Alumni Fund. Arrg. THE DONOHUE FUNERAL HOME, West Chester, PA 610-431-9000. www.donohuefuneralhome.com
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