Obituary of E. Westcott Mangine

Minerva/East Greenbush: E. Westcott “Wes” Mangine, 90, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 27, 2017 at Van Rensselaer Manor following a brief illness. Born June 22, 1926 in Albany, he was the son of William J. and Elizabeth D. Mangine. Wes graduated from CBA, Niagara University - BS in History; Siena College -MS in Education; UAlbany -MS in Educational Administration. Mr. Mangine held four permanent educational certifications: Teaching English and Citizenship, Secondary School Principal, Superintendant of Schools and School District Administration. Wes served as Chief School Administrator with 27.5 years at Minerva Central School; at retirement was the longest tenured Superintendent of Schools in New York State. Wes authored various articles in national, state and local educational professional journals during his career as a school administrator. In addition, Wes was instrumental in planning and implementing two school additions at Minerva Central. Mr. Mangine was a life member both of the NY State School Superintendent’s Council and the State Educators Association. He was President of the North Eastern Zone and elected to their Hall of Fame. Mr. Mangine was always active in community affairs including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Fire Company, Lions Club, American Legion, Minerva Historical Society, Minerva Snowmobile Club and the Minerva Youth Commission, Marcy Athletic League, Adirondack Health Association, Essex County School Boards Association and many others. Wes was President of the Marcy Athletic League for three terms. Mr. Mangine was a charter member of the Minerva Lions Club, the Minerva Civic League and helped organize the Minerva library. In addition, he held officer and board directorships for many community and professional organizations. Wes was passionate about the military, US Army, Army football and the American flag. Named for Adjutant General Westcott, Wes was a 2-star general in the US National Guard Reserves, retiring as a Major General. He received the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. He received unit citations from the Reserve Officers Association and served at the US Army Logistics Management Center. Wes served as the US Military Academy West Point liaison, helping many young men and women enter West Point. Mr. Mangine received recognition from Governors Hugh Carey (1981) and Mario Cuomo (1986) for conspicuous service to the people of New York State. President Richard Nixon (1973) sent a Certificate of Appreciation to Wes for service to the USA. A flag flew over the US Capitol for Wes’ dedication. He owned an Authentic Army Jeep that was part of many Adirondack Memorial and Veteran’s Day parades. Wes’ name was inscribed on the UAlbany Veteran’s Wall of Honor in the Main Library on the UAlbany Campus and on the Veteran wall at Atria Guilderland. Both the Rensselaer County Veteran Hall of Fame and the Minerva Veterans Memorial Park honored Wes’ service. Wes received a Sixty-four (64) year continuous membership certificate from the American Legion in July 2016. Mr. Mangine enthusiastically participated in the Honor Flight flying to Washington DC to visit the WWII memorial in October 2013. He began stamp collecting in his youth and upon retirement, opened up the Silver Eagle Stamp Company specializing in rare American stamps. Wes loved bird watching and had an extensive bird house collection in Minerva. He collected antique car replicas and loved Hershey’s chocolate bars. He enjoyed giving Westcott rulers to many friends and acquaintances. Predeceased in 2010 by his beloved and devoted wife, Joyce, to whom he was married for 59 years. He is survived by his loving children: Paula (Chase) Pugliese, Ed (Clare) Mangine. Proud grandfather of Karen (Wayne), Kent (Isela), Seton (Sean), Maeve and Olana. He is also survived by his sister, Bettina Lanahan and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Wes’s family from 2 to 5, pm, Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Wednesday, at St. James RC Church, Main St., North Creek. Rite of Committal will be conducted in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in the spring. The family would like to express gratitude to all of Wes’ caregivers. Those wishing to remember Wes may make donations to Van Rensselaer Manor Activities Fund, 85 Bloomingdale Rd, Troy, NY 12180 or to the Town of Minerva Veteran’s Memorial Park, Box 1, Olmstedville, NY 12857. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.