Obituary of Robert Matthew Mangino

ROBERT MANGINO, PROMINENT REINSURANCE ATTORNEY AND FORMER WEST ORANGE COUNCILMAN Robert Matthew Mangino, 84, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday after a prolonged illness. Bob lived in West Orange, New Jersey for more than 60 years before moving to Chatham and Morris Township. He was a well-loved man who lived a happy, rewarding life. Bob was blessed to meet Ann (Moreno) - his true love and best friend - 68 years ago in journalism class at West Orange High School and to marry her in 1958. He is survived by Ann and their four children: Robert Jr. (Patricia), Julianne, Michael (Gloria) and Jennifer (James Falick). Bob was a selfless, supportive father who was adored by his children. He was the first born of Matthew and Aleda Tichenor Mangino in 1936. He grew up in the Tory Corner section of West Orange with his beloved younger siblings, Mary (Spino) and Matthew. After graduating from high school, he was accepted at Cornell University where he intended to pursue chemical engineering. He loved Cornell, especially his fraternity, Sigma Nu, but discovered that he did not love chemical engineering. After two years, he transferred to Rutgers to finish college and then attended Rutgers Law School. He earned his law degree - with honors - and was selected to the Law Review all while working nights on the town street crew to help support his young family. He began his legal career as a staff lawyer at Mutual Benefit Life Insurance in Newark. In 1969 he was hired as General Counsel at North American Re (later Swiss Re America), a large multinational reinsurance company in New York City where he had a long and distinguished career before retiring in 1999. He was a prominent figure in the reinsurance industry during those years, co-founding ARIAS – now the leading insurance/reinsurance society - and serving on and chairing many insurance industry committees as well as speaking and teaching at countless industry events. Retirement did not slow Bob down. He became a very active and prominent umpire and arbitrator of reinsurance disputes over the succeeding 15 years. Despite his busy work schedule and home life, Bob always found time to serve his communities. He proudly served as a Councilman in West Orange from 1970-1974 and was an original Board member of the Senior Citizens Center. He also loved coaching little league football and baseball and serving as President of the West Orange High Booster Club. Bob and Ann were thrilled to travel the country and the world extensively. He was an avid runner and, at 46, completed the New York City marathon. He loved golf and was a long-time member of the Rock Spring Country Club. Bob was a doting, generous grandfather to his six grandchildren, Joseph, John, Nicholas, Abigail, Lucas and Emma. He made many, many lifelong friends over the years: childhood friends, school friends, fraternity brothers, neighbors, work and industry friends, train friends; friends from politics and from winters in Florida. Bob was strong but loving; wise yet playful; he could change a carburetor and he could umpire a complex commercial dispute. He loved sports (Yankees, Giants) but he also loved opera. He was thrilled by the successes of his family and friends and was always there to help when needed. He found humor in most situations and never complained. His family is grateful for every day spent with him and will miss him every day hereafter. There will be a memorial service in Bob’s honor when gatherings are again permitted.