Charles J. "Buddy Mag" Mandacina, 69, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 with his family by his side. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 30, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7027 NW Hwy 9, Kansas City, MO 64152. Burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Terrace Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Sunday at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6pm.

Buddy was born in Kansas City, MO on June 10th, 1942 to Sam and Lucille Mandacina. He was raised in the Northeast Kansas City area where he graduated from DeLaSalle Academy in 1959. In 1964, he went to work with his father at the family business, The Red Front Bar and Grill in the City Market. He later became an owner and operator of the business until 1994. Buddy made many lifelong friends at The Red Front, and was well known for his welcome smile and jovial spirit. It was rare for someone to meet him and not consider him a friend.

In 1974, Buddy married the love of his life, Linda Reeder. Together, they enjoyed many wonderful years raising their five children. He was extremely involved in his children's lives. Family vacations, birthday parties, and fun times playing in the backyard pool were the most important things in his life. He loved to entertain and made sure everyone that entered his home felt like family.

Even though there were miles between them, he never failed to be a daily part of his family's lives. He continued to be a loving husband and to guide and raise his children until the very end. He let his light shine every day, regardless of the struggles he faced. He always remained positive and faithful to the Lord at all times.

Buddy was preceded in death by his beloved son, Salvatore Anthony "Sam" Mandacina; and his parents, Sam and Lucille Mandacina. He also joined many loving friends and family members when he went home to be with Jesus, including his dearest cousin and friend Rosemary (Mandacina) DiGirolamo.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 38 years; his son Christopher Mandacina; daughter and son-in-law Maria and Albert Martinez; son and daughter-in-law Charles II "C.J." and Jennifer (Simone) Mandacina; and son Vincent Mandacina. He is also survived by his devoted sister Roselyn Kraack; sister-in-law Rhonda Reeder and brother-in-law David Harness. He was PaPa to six beautiful grandchildren: Joseph Charles Mandacina, Alexa Christine Surratt, Megan Marie Martinez, Charles Joseph Mandacina III, Peter Simone Mandacina, and Rocco Carmine Mandacina. He also had many nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren that love and will miss him.

Though he is no longer with us in this life, Buddy left behind many priceless gifts that will carry on. His love of family, wonderful sense of humor, and kind, giving spirit will endure forever.

Pallbearers: Peter M. DiGirolamo, Jack Weber, Joe A. DiGirolamo, Phillip J. Arnone, Dan Manos, and Sam Vargas Jr. Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Cammisano, Dominic Orlando and Sal Gumina.