Frank R. Mancini, 74

Longtime Vineyard resident Frank R. Mancini died peacefully in Delray Beach, Fla. on Nov. 6 after a brave battle with a sudden illness. He was 74.

Frank was born Nov. 8, 1946 in Yonkers, N.Y., attended Gorton High School and graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelor of science in chemistry. He served his country in the National Guard.

He and his late wife Margaret Mancini built a home in West Tisbury where they joined the community, with Maggie’s natural charm and Frank bringing geese, wild turkey and fresh fish to outdoor feasts. The couple generously sponsored the Fourth of July fireworks for the Vineyard in 1987.

Frank was an avid fisherman and his favorite pastime was fishing with longtime friend Buddy Vanderhoop. He received many of his prized trophies, awards and distinctions while fishing with Buddy aboard Tomahawk Charters.

He continued his love of the ocean and, with Walter Dello Russo of Aquinnah as a partner, followed another of his dreams in 1991 by opening Paradiso, a northern Italian restaurant in the Virgin Islands. It became a travel destination featured in Bon Apetit and Travel and Leisure magazines. It was the first air conditioned restaurant on the island of St. John.

He was loved as a kind man with a big heart. On Mondays he closed the restaurant and invited the staff to a beach party. After Hurricane Marilyn devastated St. John, Frank donated everything Paradiso had on hand to feed the locals. He moved himself into hotels with working generators so his staff could do laundry.

He was known for his sense of humor, kind nature and thorough knowledge on a broad range of subjects. He even co-wrote a screenplay called Sway. He loved live music, saw the Rolling Stones live six times, and especially loved James Taylor and Kate Taylor. He grew misty when talking about the late Alex Taylor, whom he called a friend.

His rules for a happy life were good food, friends and the love of family. He was about to embark on a fishing trip to Marco Island with his sister. He’d already made sure his extra-long, custom-made fishing rod fit in the car and a metallic blue suitcase was ready to go. He will be greatly missed.

Frank is survived by his sister and brother in law, Sallie and Joe Joyce of Yonkers; his girlfriend, Arlene LaHera of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; his nephew Peter Joyce of Yonkers; his niece and niece in law Alisa and Taylor Halliday of Boston; and many loving extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank A. and Mary A Mancini.

A celebration of life was held in Florida on Nov. 20. Another is planned for Martha’s Vineyard in the spring with the date and location to be announced. A virtual memorial service is being compiled and presented by Alisa Halliday.

Donations can be sent to the Ocean Conservancy at http://donate.oceanconservancy.org

Comments (1)

Arlene LaHera, Port Saint Lucie, FL

Frank enjoyed the finer things in life; a cool breeze, a fragrant flower, the laughter of children, a frolicking pup. He loved the mountains, the oceans, sea-sides and trout streams. He loved the food, the music, the movies, the road; he loved life itself, and savored all of it, like a fine old wine, which he also loved. He was a hard core rock and roller, the salt of the earth, a wise man and a comic. He was warm and witty, trustworthy, gentle as a lamb, tough as nails, and as dependable as a spring rain. While you may be lucky enough to meet his equal, you will never find a better man. Death never occurred to me. His indomitable presence filled a room, alongside his charm, which engaged me so fully I was not prepared when the sea reclaimed Gibraltar; my rock, my anchor and my sail. He was the road manager and I was the act. I don’t know how to go on without him. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I know what a great loss comes with his passing.

November 28, 2021 - 6:39am

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Frank R. Mancini, 74

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