LOWELLVILLE-Louis Mamula, 96, passed away on Friday morning, June 29, 2018 at the Hospice House. Louis was born July 26, 1921 in Universal, Pennsylvania, the son of Daniel and Sarah Mamula and resided in the Village of Lowellville, Ohio most of his life. A 1940 graduate of Lowellville High School, Louis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
On August 12, 1942, he married Novella (Leardi) Mamula just prior to being shipped out to fight in the Pacific a few days later. A proud Marine, Louis was a Corporal and sharp shooter in the 2nd Division, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine, Company B, and fought in the battles of Guadalcanal and Tarawa that received two Presidential Unit Citations with two Bronze Stars. In recent years, Louis was featured in the American Heroes Channel documentary “Against All Odds” about the battle of Tarawa and was selected to provide an oral history of his military experiences for the Marine Corps Archives and Library in Quantico, VA.
He was also invited to speak to and corresponded with veteran groups in Idaho, Washington D.C., the area, local school classes and students throughout the United States and Europe about his experiences during the Great Depression and WWII. Once a Marine, always a Marine, Louis repeatedly maintained the true heroes were those who didn’t come home. Louis recently launched a letter writing campaign to government officials to have “Taps” played on Memorial Day in the morning, at noon and dusk across the country to honor the fallen heroes.
Louis worked for the Youngstown Sheet and Tube and its successors for 30 years as a crane man in the Campbell seamless mill, doing upholstery on the side. He also worked for the Lowellville Schools as a custodian and crossing guard, often donning a costume representing the various holidays to greet students. Louis leaves six children, Daniel (Lorraine) Mamula of Struthers, Thomas (Jennie) of Ellsworth, Lynda (George) Slaven of San Marcos, CA, Louis (Cheryl) Mamula of Lowellville, Nicholas (Cheryl) Mamula of Lowellville, and Lori (Nicholas) Delsignore of Poland; seventeen grandchildren; and twenty-seven great grandchildren.
Besides his wife, Novella, who passed away March 14, 1986, Louis was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Melvin, Dan and Pete; sister Helen; step-sister Yvonne; and step-brother George. Louis’ family extends their deepest appreciation to the residents and staff at the Lowellville Park Apartments and Senior Van drivers Bob Perry and Jeff Schiraldi. Louis was grateful for their friendship, support and adding quality to his life.
The family also extends their deepest appreciation to the staff and volunteers of Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House, and the Veterans Administration for their support and devoted care of Louis. Calling hours for Louis will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 244 McGill Street in Lowellville, where military honors will follow at 7 p.m. Louis’ cremated remains will be interred in the Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium in Washington D.C. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made in memory of Louis to Hospice of the Valley, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514. Please visit www.
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