Local identity, real estate agent and community worker Joe Mandile passed away on August 6 aged 83 years.
Mr Mandile was born in Manly and the family soon moved to Hurstville where he attended Primary School at St Mary’s Star of the Sea followed by Marist Brothers Kogarah for his secondary schooling.
Settling in Rockdale, Mr Mandile worked in a number of real estate offices until 1966 when together with his brothers Phil and John, he opened Mandile Bros Real Estate.
This later became Joe Mandile Real Estate, located opposite Rockdale Station where Mr Mandile worked until retiring in 2006.
He was involved in community work and loved helping people and this carried across into his working life.
“When talking with a relative following his retirement, Joe was asked what he would miss most? ‘Aside from helping people buy and sell their homes, you know, what I will miss most is helping people.’” a family spokesman said.
“He went on to add that he once had a lady come into his office with five young children looking for a property to rent.
“She had been to every other real estate office in the area without success. Joe stayed back that night searching for a rental property until he was able to secure one for the lady and her children. That is what Joe would miss most.”
Mr Mandile was also involved in local schools including St Joseph’s Rockdale, St Gabriel’s Bexley and Marist Brothers at Kogarah where he was a member of the Parent and Friends committees plus helping out at with the local St Vincents De Paul society.
He was also a member of the local Rotary Club, often volunteering in fund-raising events for the local schools and community.
“A true family man with eight children of his own, we will never know how Joe ever found time to fit it all in,” the spokesman said.
“A simple task of walking from his office to his car, less than 100m away could take up to 20 minutes as people would stop Joe to have a chat.
“Always approachable, always willing to lend a hand and, always prepared to listen, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Joe’s presence and infectious smile will surely be missed in the local area.”
Mr Mandile is survived by his wife, Patricia, children Ann-Maree, Peter, David, Mark, Majella, Catherine, Terese and Gerard, and 21 grandchildren and great-children.
The Memorial Mass will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Rockdale on Friday, August 18 at 11am.
