Benny Mangapora

Canfield: Prayers will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 13th at Lane Family Funeral Home, 65 N. Broad Street, Canfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Parish, Canfield to celebrate the life of Benny Mangapora who passed away early Saturday morning surrounded by his loving family. Benny was born on September 21, 1938 in Flint, Michigan, the eighth of ten children to Anthony and Marianna (Maggio) Mangapora. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Ann (McCarthy) on June 10, 1961, the couple moved to Canfield in 1966, where Ben served as a Supervisor at the Lordstown General Motors plant for 37 years. His strong work ethic led him to various post retirement jobs including plant security at Lordstown. Wanting to keep active, Ben donated his time and talents as a Eucharistic minister at St. Michael's where he was a member of the Men's Club and the Knights of Columbus, a Friday Lenten fish dinner worker, and a volunteer for various other charitable events. Always a dedicated family man, Ben encouraged and celebrated his five beloved grandchildren. He supported them in their academic and athletic endeavors. He especially loved to teach his children and grandchildren the game he loved most, basketball. He was proud of his Sicilian heritage and he loved to cook his homemade spaghetti dinners that were frequently requested and enjoyed by family and friends. Ben is survived by his loving wife Sharon of 54 years, his son Robert (Sherri) Mangapora and their children Katherine and Matthew, his son James (Kimberly) and their children Sabrina, Mason, and Grace, all of Canfield, his brother, Joseph (Phyllis) Mangapora of Flint, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Albert Mangapora and John Mangapora, and six sisters, Mary Bergy, Lena Thompson, Josephine Harvel, Rose Eppinger, Anna Ware, and Katherine Cartwright. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Saint. Michael's Parish Family Life Center. Friends and family may view this obituary and give their condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.