Anthony Manuel Mammina

Anthony Manuel “Nino” Mammina, 54, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours Saturday, August 18, 2012 as God gently whispered “Nino, come with Me.” Nino never gave in to his years of Parkinson’s and Diabetes until his last day. Nino was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, November 2, 1957, the first born of Ben and Grace Mammina. He was extremely proud of his Italian, Native American and Spanish heritage and learned early on from his parents, grandparents, and extended family, the values and accomplishments of his Catholic faith, love of family, hard work and compassion for others. Nino’s gifts and musical/vocal talents were recognized in his teens while performing in church and as Tevye in the school play Fiddler on the Roof, which led to scholarships to attend Interlochen Arts Academy, Blue Lake and Peabody Institute. Tony extensively traveled the world, singing professionally and working as an EMT in Florida, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Detroit and California, saving numerous lives. He also employed his entrepreneurial spirit by rising to the Hot Tub prominent fame in the early 90’s and retired back into the music business producing two Cd’s-Movin’ Toward The Light & Son Brother Father as well as appearing on countless recordings. Nino lived a life of love for family. His smile, calming and healing energy, love of life, character, fortitude and amazing accomplishments have and will live on. He was a man of service. If someone was in need, be it family, friend or stranger-he was there! He was known for his love of preparing food for anyone who walked into his home, especially at Thanksgiving, when he would make his famous TurkDucken! While he was filling you up with food, he would fill you up with spirit and leave you knowing he would be in your heart forever. Nino was a lifelong avid Detroit Tigers fan, attending games, spring trainings, and catching as many Tigers games on radio/TV as possible. Nino was a devoted member of Catholic churches where he resided from New York to California. He especially loved his home church SS John and Bernard Parishes in Benton Harbor. He spent six years preparing as a Deacon, studying and living his faith. He loved wolves, movies, traveling, The Grateful Dead and any beach with sand water and beautiful sunsets. He will be truly missed by his parents, Ben and Grace Mammina of St. Joseph, brother, Mitch Mammina of St. Joseph, sisters, Lisa Mammina (Dr. Katy Sommers) of Ukiah, California, Jenna Mammina of St. Joseph and Willits, California, niece Janeva Rae, nephew Cameron Mammina, his loving friends Kathy Ellis of Berrien Springs, Joan Polaskey of Coloma, extended family and countless friends throughout the world. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Anthony & Lillian Mammina of Benton Harbor and Manuel D.A. & Margarita Maes of Las Vegas, New Mexico. Visitation will be held Thursday, August, 23, 2012 from 5:30 to 8:30 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:30 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph Michigan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August, 24th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor, officiated by Father William Jacobs, Jr. Nino will be laid to rest next to his Nana & Papa Mammina at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet. Memorials may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or donor’s choice. Those wishing to share a memory online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. To honor Nino, the family requests that guests attending services wear tie dye, Detroit Tigers apparel and/or bright colors.