Mannie Mass of Floral Park, Long Island, N.Y., died peacefully May 7.

Mannie, the family patriarch, was nearly 102. He fearlessly shepherded his family through joyous and difficult times, with humor, grace and endless love.

He was a first-generation American born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1919 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Max and Sophie Masnikoff. He proudly and honorably served in the military in World War II.

After the war, he became a successful businessman and owner of Tischler Roofing and Waterproofing Inc. in New York. He and Della raised their three sons in Roslyn, L.I., and he never missed a single sports game. He was fiercely devoted to his family and his Judaic roots. His passion for humor and storytelling informed his core ethos: a life without laughter is certainly not one worth living.

Mannie and Della retired to Boca Raton, Fla., eventually relocating to Floral Park, N.Y. He was larger than life, and will be deeply missed by all of those on whom he left his indelible mark.

He was predeceased by his cherished wife Della, the center of his world and the love of his life for 70-plus years, and his son Norman. He is survived by the large, loving family that he and Della created: Scott and Susan Mass of Woodstock, N.Y., Martha’s Vineyard, and Michael and Sari Mass of New York city; 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, including Aela and Sara Mass and their daughters Ramona and Maxine, of Vineyard Haven. He also leaves a sister, Sylvia Schechter, and many nephews and nieces.