Anthony F. “Tony’ Mambuca, age 88, of Marion, IL, formerly of Malden, MA, passed away at 9:45 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2009, in the Veteran’s Administration Hospital of Marion, IL.
He was born, April 27, 1921, in East Boston, MA, the son of James and Jennie (Mazza) Mambuca.
Mr. Mambuca answered the call of this nation in 1942, by serving in the United States Army during the time of WW II in the European Theater. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged on February 17, 1946, with the rank of Technician Fifth Grade and received the following citations; Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WW II.
After his return home from service he was united in marriage to Natalie Cecelia Ellison on August 30, 1947, in Everett, MA and together they have shared the last 62 years of marriage.
His working career was in the Boston Naval Shipyard of Charlestown, MA for 30 years until his retirement in 1986.
Mr. Mambuca was a member and deacon of First Church of Malden Congregational United Church of Christ. He also was Past Commander and life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #85 of Malden, MA and served as a state officer of the Massachusetts Disabled American Veterans. He also was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #639 of Malden, MA and recently the Heyde-Pillow Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1301 of Marion, IL.
He is survived by his wife, Natalie C. Mambuca of Marion, IL; two daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis and Dr. Harold Landwehr of Marion, IL and Marilyn and Lawrence Morse of Cumberland, ME; grandson, Stephen Morse and granddaughter, Heather Morse both of Cumberland, ME; nephew, James Mambuca and his wife, Marilyn, of Revere, MA; extended family, Troy Landwehr of Saco, ME and Jeff and Tammy Dewar and their children of Manchester, NH; dear friends, Dam and Erin Tran of Stoneham, MA, George Mordaunt and Jane Harlow both of Malden, MA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Catherine Mambuca, Marion Brundige and Theresa Whitehead and three brothers, Nicholas, Francis and Dominic Mambuca.
Arrangements for Anthony F. “Tony” Mambuca were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL.
A time of visitation for the family and friends was between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2009, at the funeral home.
During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events of Mr. Mambuca’s life was presented.
The memorial service followed at 7:00 p.m. with Dr. Harold Landwehr presiding.
The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Sharon Wilson. Special instrumental piano musical selection presented during the service was “On Eagle’s Wings” by Sharon Wilson.
Following the memorial service military honors were accorded at the funeral home by members of the Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and members of the Illinois National Guard all of Marion, IL. Members participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Officer of the Day, Chuck Knapp; Chaplain, Roger Hines; Bugler, Brian Samuel; Color Guard, Bill Reynolds and Jessie James; National Colors, George Trammell; V.F.W. Post Colors, Calvin James and Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Richard Funkhouser, Jerry Swisher, Jim Grieme, Ronald Ganzer, Glen Taylor and Lowell Davis. Presentation of the VFW Bible to Mr. Mambuca’s wife, Natalie, was by VFW Chaplain Roger Hines.
Illinois National Guard Flag Detail Members participating in the folding of the flag were PFC Jeremie Moon and PVT Garrett Brown. Presentation of the flag to Mr. Mambuca’s wife, Natalie, was by PFC Jeremie Moon.
The committal service was on October 10, 2009, in Gethsemane Cemetery of West Roxbury, MA.
For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Alzheimer’s Association Research” or the “Disabled American Veterans”. Envelopes were available at the funeral home or mailed in care of the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.
