Al’s daughter, Lorrie Guindon, reported Friday that “Last night, at 6:25pm, Al was called up by the Commander in Heaven to join him.”
In 2013 Al was recognized by the Medfield Foundation with its Lifetime Achievement Award:
Condolences to Al’s family and friends.
Long time and highly talented Town of Medfield Veterans Service Officer Ron Griffin submitted these remarks at the time of Al’s nomination for the Medfield Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award:
Al Manganello
I have been contacted as a Nominee reference for Al Manganello Jr. I have known Al for many years and am familiar with many of his volunteer contributions to the Town of Medfield Veteran population.
Within the Veteran community Al is widely recognized for his
participation and support of just about every veteran related project in
Medfield.It was with this knowledge that I asked Al Manganello to
perform the honorary privilege of unveiling the Vietnam Memorial Plaque
at the Blake Middle School this past year.
Most of Al’s volunteer effort has been through the American Legion, a
volunteer organization.Al has in capacity as Post Commander or as
Committee Chairman has lead Post volunteers in many community efforts
throughout Medfield.Not all of those efforts have been specifically
veteran related but all have been involved in our small community.He is
a long standing member of the Cemetery Commission and served on a number
of town committees.
Perhaps most notably has been the Memorial Day Committee.Here along with
Past Police Chief Bill Mann, Al has been a constant fixture in the
successful implementation of our Memorial Day celebration.Those efforts
do not stop following the Memorial Day program and ceremonies at Vine
Lake.They end only after cleanup is performed after all parade members
have been served a luncheon.
His foot turned over the first shovel of dirt when the American Legion
Post was relocated from the old GAR building on pleasant Street to its
present location at Peter Kristof Way.So named in honor of Medfield’s
second resident who was killed in service in Vietnam.Again it was his
shovel, when ground breaking began on Baxter Park.Though this Veterans
Park was the dream and effort of many citizens, Al was there from
conception to dedication.
Often his efforts are without recognition through providing leadership
and direction. One example is through his efforts as the advisor to the
Son’s of the American Legion organization (SAL).This volunteer
organization is comprised of male descendants of American Legion
eligible veterans. Perhaps this is most significant because the Veteran
population is aging and volunteer efforts often require younger
strengths and stamina. That organization is now more active in providing
volunteer services where needed throughout our community. Recently with
Al’s support and guidance they have teamed with the “Angel Tree”
organization in an attempt to bring a bit more Christmas Joy for those
who less fortunate children in town. The SAL members now prepare the
Memorial Day luncheon provided to all those who participated in our
Memorial Day parade.
There is also little recognition when you are visiting a sick Veteran or
comforting a veteran’s family during the loss of a loved one.But Al is
there, he is always there when you need him.
Many of Al’s Volunteer efforts continue day to day, year to year with
2012 being no exception. He is still active in all the various
committees that he sits on and remains the backbone of the American
Legion and SAL organizations. Many know to turn to Al when they need
assistance but you’ll not find him being “Front and Center” when the
spotlight is turned on. But do look for him when its time to fold the
chairs and sweep the floors.
Ron Griffin
Medfield Veteran Service Officer
American Legion Post 110 Service Officer
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