William Mandigo

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – William (Bill) Mandigo peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Aug. 16, 2018, in Middlebury.

Bill, age 81, was born in Woonsocket, to Ellen (née Thistle) and Willie A. Mandigo. After his father passed away, his mother married Earl Whipple, who lovingly raised Bill as his own son.

Bill met Nancy LaVoy, his wife of almost 59 years, while a student at Burrillville High School in Rhode Island. He attended Middlebury College in Vermont ,where he played hockey and completed ROTC training. Upon graduation in 1959, he served in the Army Reserves as a captain of the MPs (though he refused to carry a gun).

Bill began his teaching career at Captain Isaac Paine School in Foster, and taught at several other schools in the state before serving as Social Studies Department chairman at Burrillville High School. In 1991, Bill retired from Burrillville, but continued teaching for 18 summers at Wolfeboro Camp School in New Hampshire, as well as for two years at St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket. For over five decades, he taught countless students, including his four sons, who also became educators.

Bill devoted his life to his family. He watched his children and grandchildren compete in sporting events all over New England , and he was proud that all of his sons played college athletics. After moving to Middlebury from Harrisville in 2017, Bill enjoyed attending games at his alma mater, where he watched two of his sons coach.

Always an educator and competitor at heart, Bill taught his children and grandchildren to play card games and relished any chance he had to “skunk” them in cribbage. He also loved regaling his family with historical tales.

An avid Boston sports fan, Bill especially loved the Red Sox. He followed the strong and weak teams throughout the years before he was finally rewarded with three World Series titles, and he was hoping for a fourth in 2018.

Bill was honored to serve as secretary of the Blackstone River Federal Credit Union for 21 years.

Bill will be remembered by his wife, Nancy, his four sons, Billy, Jeff, Glenn, and Doug, and his 11 grandchildren for his love, quick wit ,and sense of humor. He also leaves behind his sister, Susan Carroll.

Bill received excellent care from UVM Medical Center Radiation Oncology as well as from his hospice nurses at Addison County Home Health & Hospice; in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either organization. The addresses are as follows:

UVM Medical Center Foundation, Courtyard at Given 3N, Attn: Radiation Oncology Patient Fund, 111 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05401; Addison County Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, from 3 to 5 p.m., with a service starting at 5 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, 272 Sayles Ave. Pascoag. Burial will be private. www.boucherfh.com