Deacon Michael B. Mannino

Deacon Michael B. Mannino, 74, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side. Deacon Mike was born April 7, 1943 in Chicago, the son of Carl and Nancy Ann (Ruvolo) Mannino. Mike married the love of his life, Mary C. “Molly” Martin on November 4, 1967 at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Western Springs, IL. This fall they celebrated their Fiftieth Anniversary. He is survived by his wife, Molly of Galesburg; his mother, Nancy Mannino of Phoenix, one son, Michael J. Mannino of Galesburg; two daughters, Maripat Brown of Marlborough, MA and Ann Mannino of Wakefield, MA; and two grandchildren, Liam and Alex Brown. He is also survived by one sister, Carole (Scot) Stapleton of Phoenix, AZ and two brothers, Carl (Ollie) Mannino of Colorado Springs, CO and Tony Mannino. Mike was preceded in death by his father. Mike earned his BA and MA from Northern Illinois University and his Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. After graduating from Northern, he taught junior high school in Villa Park, IL; earning the name “The Sunshine Man” from his students and colleagues for his sunny disposition, and for a role playing government game he used as a teaching tool. For four years he taught full time and went to night law school. Upon graduating from law school, he clerked for Iowa Supreme Court Justice M.L. “Larry” Mason. He considered the judge to be his legal and professional mentor. In 1978 he became Executive Director of West Central Illinois Legal Assistance, where he served for 21 years. He was awarded the Esther R. Rothstein Award in 2001 in recognition of his distinguished career as an attorney and as a champion of equal access to justice. He was in private practice from 2001 to 2013. He was an active member at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Mike was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church on May 19, 2007 and has served as a Deacon at IHM for the past 10 years. He was an active member of the Northwest Area Cursillo from 1983 and served as its Assistant Spiritual Director from 2007 to 2017. Mike was a past member of the Galesburg Noon Lion’s Club, United Way, and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike was an avid fisherman with a great sense of humor and a gentle spirit. The rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home with visitation following from 5 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Northwest Area Cursillo or Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.