Obituary of Philip S. Mandato, Jr.

Philip S. Mandato, Jr. passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 61 years old. Phil was born in Perth Amboy, raised in Edison, and later lived in Somerset and South Brunswick before settling in Hightstown in 2010. He was a dedicated employee of Johnson & Johnson, where he worked for more than 39 years. Phil loved his family more than life itself, was immensely proud of his two sons, and cherished every moment he spent with his grandchildren. He was an avid weightlifter and played football for Edison High School, Upsala College, and the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Phil enjoyed spending his time fishing and loved listening to classic rock, especially AC/DC. Phil was a devout catholic and lived his faith every day of his life. He was a former parishioner of St. Cecilia's RC Church in Monmouth Junction and Queenship of Mary RC Church in Plainsboro, and was a current member of St. Anthony of Padua RC Church in Hightstown. He is survived by the love of his life, Judy Donohue Chirico of Hightstown, his two sons, Philip S. Mandato, III and his wife Jennifer L. of Dayton, and Jason A. Mandato and his wife Erin R. of Westampton, his sister, Linda Geist and her husband Jeffrey of Piscataway, three grandchildren, Ava, Emma, and Philip Salvador, IV 'Sal,' and many other nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Anna and Philip S. Mandato Sr. Visitation will be 4-9pm on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, Inc. – 205 Rhode Hall Rd., Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 – 732-521-0555 – www.demarcofuneralhome.com. Funeral services will begin at 9:15am on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from the funeral home. A funeral liturgy will be held at 10am at St. Cecilia's RC Church, South Brunswick followed by prayers of committal and cremation at Holy Cross Burial Park Crematory Chapel, South Brunswick. Phil loved his country and shared his patriotism with all. Because he was a staunch supporter of the US Military, the family encourages everyone to wear something RED on Friday to 'Remember Everyone Deployed.' In lieu of flowers and for those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to either Operation Homefront, www.operationhomefront.net, or to the Special Olympics, www.give.specialolympics.org.