It was with profound sadness that our family announces the death of Michael Daniel Mandel. Michael was born on May 5, 1980 in Schenectady, NY. He passed away on May 21, 2018 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Michael was a graduate of Niskayuna High School. He attended George Washington University in Washington D.C. and Yeshiva University in New York City. He worked for four years at Prudential Financial in New York City before deciding to pursue his true calling in medicine.
He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary in 2013. Most recently he practiced in the field of oncology in Siegen, Germany. The world is a better place for the help he gave to his patients.
He helped many cancer patients recover and for those who didn’t he helped pass on with dignity. His goal was always to ease his patient’s pain and suffering. Michael believed strongly in universal healthcare and knew that every human being is entitled to healthcare.
Those beliefs put him on the right side of history for which we are very proud. Michael was a brilliant, kind, sensitive and gentle man. He was known for his wit, wisdom and beautiful smile.
He cherished time with his family. Generous, he found time to help his cousin Glenn with a school project last month. He was well read, fluent in seven languages and could speak in depth on any subject with amazing recall but would always listen intently to everyone.
Michael loved to read, recite and write poetry. He took great pleasure in the simple things in life like cooking, baking, reading, and music – even mowing the lawn with interesting patterns. He loved all animals but had a special affinity for baby goats; they always made him smile.
Michael was a practicing Roman Catholic who recently had the opportunity to stay at the Vatican and see the Holy Father. He also had great respect for his Jewish heritage and embraced that religion throughout his life. Michael was the beloved son of Daniel Mandel (Terri Onyon) and Carole Trechel Donahue (Paul Donahue, step-father).
He is survived by his grandmother Anne Trechel, his brother Max Bonici (Katie), sister Sarah Mandel (Rachel), one niece, two uncles, three aunts, many cousins and his girlfriend of many years Lilly Goebel. His grandparents Joseph & Annette Mandel and Robert Trechel predeceased him. Viewing hours will be at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam, NY 12306 on Wednesday, May 30 from 5-7pm.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 31 at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 806 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12308. Burial will be at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Hamburg St., Rotterdam, NY. The family asks that any donations be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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