William Mandelaris

With great sadness for our loss, but eternal happiness for his reunion with loved ones, on May 27, 2019 in American Fork, Utah, we had to say goodbye to our beloved brother, husband, father and “Poppi.”

You might have known him by one of his many names that included, but is not limited to George Gregory L’Abbe, George Greg Myers, William Michael Gregory Mandelaris, Billy Manders or Bill Manders. Regardless of the name, he was a god fearing and family loving giant among men. He was born on December 22, 1950 in Detroit, MI to Kathryn Anne Mandelaris and Gerard Edsel L’Abbe. He was the second of three children. He spent his early years in many places, as his dad served this country in the military. Stops included the Dakotas, Arizona and Alaska. After his father’s death in Alaska, he spent his childhood in California. It was in San Francisco he gained a love for baseball as he would hop on the trolley cars and make his way to the ballpark to watch the Giants. He attended Thousand Oaks high school where his friend introduced him to the love of his life, Diane Frances Nicassio. At a school dance, he told his friend Larry, who happened to be Diane’s cousin, “I am going to marry her.” He spent his high school years doing anything to be around Diane. Around this time, he developed a love for music and started a career in the radio and television industry that lasted over three decades. His versatility was evident as he fulfilled many roles in the profession. Some remember him as a hip hop disc jockey. Some as a fantastic sports anchor. Others as a political talk show host. What everyone will remember is his love for talking with people. His talent and gift of talk was recognized through various awards that included Golden Mikes for excellence in broadcasting in California, Sportscaster of the Year, and induction into the Nevada Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He interviewed many people that ranged from local politicians, senators, past presidents, Israeli Prime Ministers, athletes and A-list actors. But there is no one he would rather talk to than his family and friends. His family and love for our Savior were his prized possessions. In his final moments, he taught us valuable lessons and ended this mortal journey fighting to spend every last second with his family.

He married Diane Frances Nicassio on September 28, 1974 in California. After joining the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he was sealed for time and all eternity to his family in January 1986 at the Los Angeles Temple. Through this he had knowledge his family would be together forever.  They had 2 children and 8 grandchildren. These children, spouses and grandchildren were what he lived for. His love for them is only matched by their love for him.

He is survived by his sisters Renee and Kalie, the love of his life and wife Diane, his daughter Danielle Alleman (Mark), his son Jason (Julie), and his 8 grandchildren Brynn, Halle, Madie, Brock, Brody Alleman and Crew, Mack and Duke Mandelaris. He is preceded in death by his father Gerard and mother Kay. What a joyous reunion they had.

We would like to thank the countless doctors who attended him throughout his life. We would also extend our eternal gratitude to the staff at Stonehenge in American Fork who lovingly and playfully accepted his sense of humor and cared for him in his final days. Thank you to all his family and friends who supported him.

Memorial services will be held June 8, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Ivory Ridge LDS Chapel located at 127 E 3200 N Lehi, UT 84043. A viewing will take place prior to the service from 9-10 AM.