Obituary for Seymour Leonard "Sy" Mandel
Seymour “Sy” L. Mandel, age 89, a life-long Chicago funeral director. He grew up above his parents' funeral home, Gratch-Mandel, located at 2235 W. Division Street, in Chicago. Seymour was a managing partner of Piser Weinstein, Gratch Mandel, Hartman Miller, Original Weinstein, Menorah Chapels, then Goldman Funeral Group. The culmination of his career was working with his son, Lloyd Mandel, at Mitzvah Memorial Funerals from 2010 until present.
Beloved husband and best friend of Ilene Mandel (formerly Graw), nee Ender for 35 years; cherished father of Lloyd Mandel and Paula (Dr. Nick) Riccardo and Ilene’s children Ken (Chrissy) Graw, Rick (Heidi) Graw and Wendie (Dr. Robert) Loiben; loving grandfather of Dr. Travis (Katy) Mandel, Michael, Brian Riccardo, Rene’ Mandel and great-grandchildren Nora and Adam Mandel and Ilene’s grandchildren Sean, Alex, Ryan, Brianna, Nikki, Bryce and Cody; devoted son of the late Arthur and Mollie (Gratch) Mandel; dear brother of the late Sid (Judy) Mandel and Eugene (Alice) Mandel. Seymour was the former husband of Judith (Elzas) Mandel, former father-in-law of Rhonda (Eisenberg) Mandel and Cheri Atkins.
As a funeral director, Seymour followed in the footsteps of his grandfather (Sam Gratch), his parents (Mollie and Arthur) and his brother (Gene) and was followed by his nephews Larry and Danny and his son Lloyd. He was President of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America JFDA 1973-1974. He also was a 32nd degree Mason, and was an active member with the JUF, the Lions Club and he volunteered at the Ark.
Funeral Monday, February 5th, 2024, 1 pm at Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette. The Interment will be at Westlawn Cemetery in -Norridge. Family and friends who cannot be at the funeral can watch it on Seymour’s webpage on www.mitzvahfunerals.com live, or any time after the funeral. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Jewish United Fund www.juf.org or The Ark www.chicagorark.org would be appreciated. Info: Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-MITZVAH 630-648-9824 www.mitzvahfunerals.com
Beloved husband and best friend of Ilene Mandel (formerly Graw), nee Ender for 35 years; cherished father of Lloyd Mandel and Paula (Dr. Nick) Riccardo and Ilene’s children Ken (Chrissy) Graw, Rick (Heidi) Graw and Wendie (Dr. Robert) Loiben; loving grandfather of Dr. Travis (Katy) Mandel, Michael, Brian Riccardo, Rene’ Mandel and great-grandchildren Nora and Adam Mandel and Ilene’s grandchildren Sean, Alex, Ryan, Brianna, Nikki, Bryce and Cody; devoted son of the late Arthur and Mollie (Gratch) Mandel; dear brother of the late Sid (Judy) Mandel and Eugene (Alice) Mandel. Seymour was the former husband of Judith (Elzas) Mandel, former father-in-law of Rhonda (Eisenberg) Mandel and Cheri Atkins.
As a funeral director, Seymour followed in the footsteps of his grandfather (Sam Gratch), his parents (Mollie and Arthur) and his brother (Gene) and was followed by his nephews Larry and Danny and his son Lloyd. He was President of the Jewish Funeral Directors of America JFDA 1973-1974. He also was a 32nd degree Mason, and was an active member with the JUF, the Lions Club and he volunteered at the Ark.
Funeral Monday, February 5th, 2024, 1 pm at Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette. The Interment will be at Westlawn Cemetery in -Norridge. Family and friends who cannot be at the funeral can watch it on Seymour’s webpage on www.mitzvahfunerals.com live, or any time after the funeral. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Jewish United Fund www.juf.org or The Ark www.chicagorark.org would be appreciated. Info: Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-MITZVAH 630-648-9824 www.mitzvahfunerals.com