A pillar of the community, Buddy Mangini, 85
By Cary Shuman
If there were a social happening, community event, or important meeting held in East Boston during the past several decades, Albert J. “Buddy” Mangini Sr., was no doubt in the room.
And Buddy, as he was known throughout “his” neighborhood, was seen greeting his numerous friends and other community leaders with a welcoming smile, leading the event itself as a main organizer, delivering remarks from the podium in his trademark, oratorically splendid style, or just doing whatever he could to ensure his fellow East Bostonians were enjoying the occasion.
Buddy’s key role in organizing the Christopher Columbus Day Parade each year will never be forgotten for the joy the event brought to families and the recognition it bestowed on Columbus, the famed and courageous Italian explorer who discovered America in 1492.
His leadership positions in the Kiwanis Club of East Boston and at the Chamber of Commerce are further testaments to the esteem in which he was held and the trust members had in his diligent leadership.
Albert J. “Buddy” Mangini Sr., a friend to East Boston throughout his life, died on March 11, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was 85.
Marisa DiPietro, a friend and similarly towering presence with Mr. Mangini at the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce through the years, and part of Kiwanis’ honor roll of stalwarts that included Dr. Matt Mallen, Edmund Coletta, Frank Durante, Clark Moulaison, Carol Simpson, Bill Chisolm, and John Gillis, and others, expressed her sadness at the loss of Buddy Mangini.
“I’m so sorry about his passing,” said DiPietro. “What a wonderful man he was. He was such a good friend and such a mentor to me. This is a big loss for the community and for me, in particular, because he was such a good friend. He’s going to be missed by so many people”
DiPietro said she met Buddy Mangini many years ago through their involvement in the Kiwanis Club of East Boston.
“We did so much together at Kiwanis,” recalled DiPietro. “We had a long association, and we completed a lot of service projects together. We traveled to international and division conventions in Vancouver, San Antonio, and Montreal.”
DiPietro said that she and Buddy Mangini “started a trend of being president for three consecutive years.”
“At one point, we had a hard time getting people to step up to be president,” said DiPietro. “It became a thing with Buddy and me. When I completed my presidency after three years, Buddy ended up being president for three years as well.”
That scenario unfolded again when DiPietro became Kiwanis lieutenant governor for two years and Buddy Mangini followed in that distinguished post. The two friends later took on the position as president of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce.
“Our careers in Kiwanis mirrored each other,” said DiPietro pridefully. “We loved Kiwanis, and we loved being of service to our club and the community.”
DiPietro said Mr. Mangini was always greeted warmly at Kiwanis events.
“Everyone knew Buddy. Everybody loved Buddy. He was such a great guy. He was a legend at Kiwanis,” said DiPietro.
Reflecting on her many years in East Boston, DiPietro commented, “I’ve had such great people in my life, but definitely Buddy Mangini was one of the greatest. He was always there and ready to serve. He was always there for the seniors in our community, notably for the picnic we held every year. And of course, he was the master of the Columbus Day Parade. He was everything to everyone. He embodied service and commitment to the community.”
Rep. Madaro, Sen. Edwards join in tributes to
Mr. Mangini
Rep. Adrian Madaro and Sen. Lydia Edwards were among the state officials paying tribute to Mr. Mangini this week.
“Buddy Mangini was a dedicated leader and a friend to many,” said Rep. Madaro. “He was a pillar of our community and a guiding presence at institutions and events that define East Boston. He inspired us to work toward a better future, and his legacy will continue to influence generations to come. We mourn his passing and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Sen. Edwards said Mr. Mangini’s life of service to his community was appreciated by all in East Boston.
“I don’t know an organization that existed in East Boston that Buddy didn’t participate in,” said Sen. Edwards. “He went to more meetings and celebrations than anyone I know. He was there in the harder times and was there to celebrate and remind us of how Eastie has changed but stayed the same. He was our heart and will be deeply missed.”