WILLIAM MAX MANDELL “BILL”
1928-2019
William Max Mandell (90) was born in Seguin, Texas on November 11, 1928. He departed this earth in the early morning hours of January 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas after a series of challenging health issues.
William grew up in Seguin, Texas and graduated from Texas Military Institute in San Antonio, Texas. He received a B.S. in chemistry from Rice University in Houston in 1950, and also went to Tulane and University of Texas, in Austin. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant. He also served in the Navy prior to returning to civilian life. After leaving the military, he went to work in the oil fields and began his unique career. He dabbled in utility districts and farming, and other ventures, until he decided to pursue a career in home building and real estate development. During his career, he mentored numerous relatives and family friends that needed assistance. William was an avid collector of art, coins, stamps, rugs, and other objects d’art. His love for stamps and coins dated back to his childhood. William always was well read and was highly respected for his acumen of collectibles. He was one of Houston’s early Foodies and spoke fondly of the days of the Shamrock and Rice Hotel’s, Walker location of James Coney Island, Bud Bigelow’s, and Maxims. He loved Chinese food and enjoyed nothing more in his recent years than going to Confucius. He often shared stories of his love for San Francisco and his many favorite spots. He was a member of Beth Yeshurun Synagogue and later became a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Lee Mendlovitz and Sadie Kline Mendlovitz, Uncles Louis, Fred, and Joe, Aunt Fannie, sister Fannie Rae Mendlovitz, and brother Milton Alan Mandell. William Mandell is survived by his loving and adoring wife Monique Elizabeth Mandell, son David Mark Mandell, his wife and three daughters, by brother Leonard Jerome Mandell, family feline daughter Wanda and caretakers Francesca, Juanita, and James.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ben Clark and the staff at Memorial Hermann Hospital for all their loving care. Special heart felt thoughts of gratitude to the Signature Suites staff. We will never forget your kindness. Thanks also to Dr. Reynolds Del Gado, Dr. Richard Carney, and Dr. Lazaro Cherem for all your ongoing care. Special words of thanks to all the staff at the Warwick Apartments for their attentive care and support.