June 24, 1942 - January 22, 2015)
George(Bill) William Mandakunis, 72, of Zephyrhills, FL, died January 22, 2015, at Tampa General Hospital. Born June 24, 1942, at Eckman, WV, he was the son of the late Louis Lee Mandakunis and the late Ruth Pauline Snead Mandakunis. For 49 years, he was the beloved husband of Judith E. Bowles Mandakunis. George served over 26 years in the US Army and US Marine Corps and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, where he completed two twelve month combat tours. Upon military retirement, he continued his government service where he culminated over 40 years of service to the United States. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, the Elks Lodge, and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. George was full of life and enjoyed every moment of his life and retirement. He enjoyed his family, reading, travelled the world, was an avid sports fan and loved talking to anyone around. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife, Judy, two sons; George Mandakunis, Jr. and wife Cathy of Newport News, VA and Kenneth Mandakunis and wife Adriane of Ft. Drum, NY; Grandchildren, Tyler Mandakunis, Ashleigh Mandakunis, Haley Mandakunis, and Lauren Mandakunis; Five Siblings, the late Patricia Bailey, Chris Mandakunis of Largo, FL, Louis Mandakunis, Jr. of Hickory, NC, Steve Mandakunis of Tallahassee, FL, Costa Mandakunis of GA; and a host of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on January 28, 2015, visitation time from 2:00-3:00, with the service following at 3:00 at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Zephyrhills. His ashes will be laid to rest at a later date at the Florida National Cemetery.
Family and Friends,
Please take a moment to make a short tribute to my "Dad" pertaining to how he may have touched your life. Also, feel free to libererally add as many pictures of my dad as possible. Our goal is to add so many tributes and pictures that we shut down the server!:)
Tributes
Leave a tributeLove,
George
Can't believe it's been a year. Your missed, loved and remembered everyday. Take care "Do". Love you Sis
I just wanted to wish you a Happy Veterans Day! Thinking about you! Love, George
I thought about you on your birthday last week...we miss you..George
I remember when you pinned those anchors on my collars. Your the greatest dad that anyone could ever have...love you...George
Leave a Tribute
True Love
Over the last 2 years I have gotten to see and hear about "True Love" for George. On almost a daily basis I have heard stories from Judy of where the family travelled and stuff that was done as a family. I have even heard the stories from George Jr which, just ooze with love of his family life with Ken, Momma and Dad.It is obvious that Judy and George built quite the life for themselves and family. George, you are truly missed by your family, that shares "True Love" for you with others.
One Year Ago...
One year ago I lost by dad to an illness unexpectedly. Over the past year, I have learned that you have to remember the little things that made my dad special. I broke my foot playing football when I was about was about 10 years old. We also lived in a four story housing building in Germany; one evening we got out back from going out to eat (our favorite thing to do!haha!) and I started to hobble up the stairs. Out of no-where; my dad swooped me up and threw me over his shoulder and commenced to carry me up all four flights. I remember thinking..."My Dad is the strongest Man in the world!" Dad..I know that you know that this has been one heck of a rough year. "Dad we love and miss you..
Your Son,
George
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
My deepest condolences to Judy and your family. George will be missed.
~ Mari Wuest, Zephyrhills, Florida
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
~ Chuck clamon, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Sorry for this tough time, will keep you all in my prayers
~ Donald Kirby, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Today I grieve with the Mandakunis family. I did not personally know George, but I know his son Kenny, daughter-in-law Adriane, and grandchildren Haley and Lauren very well. The family he has raised is proof that George William Mandakunis is a great man who carried a high set of values and sense of patriotism. I thank him for raising a son I can call a great friend and brother-in-arms.
~ Julian Crawford, Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Surrounding you with warmth and prayers.
~ Eliza Wachtel, Radcliff, Kentucky