Norfolk —Retired Navy Capt. Allan Lee Mandel, 78, a native of Denver, Colo., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 at Commonwealth Senior Living, The Ballentine, Sweet Memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Minnie Mandel, of Denver.
He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Dorsey Mandel; his brother, Dr. Mickey J. Mandel, of Denver, five children; Randy Howard Mandel, of Denver, Andrea Mandel Starr, of Glen Allen, Va., Jeffrey Brian Mandel, of Charlotte, N.C., Jason C. Lee, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Courtney Lee Kellogg, of Norfolk, and 10 loving grandchildren. Allan’s children and grandchildren cherish him as a devoted and doting father and grandfather.
Allan graduated from the University of Colorado and received his MBA from Michigan State University. He was commissioned as a naval officer in 1961 at Newport, R.I.
Allan and Eileen were married on July 2, 1983 at Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk. At that time, Allan was the director of contracts at Norfolk Naval Supply Center and Eileen was office manager for then U.S. Congressman Bill Whitehurst. Allan used to say he married Eileen in order to cease all the “congressional letters” he was receiving at his office. In truth, it was a match made in heaven.
Allan was a true patriot, and was so proud to serve his country. Early in his 23 years as a Navy Supply Corps officer, Allan served in the Vietnam War. Among his numerous military awards, Allan received the meritorious service medal, Navy commendation medal, and Vietnam service medal including a bronze star. He was stationed in Groton, Conn., Hawaii, Norfolk, and in Spain where he “ran with the Bulls in Pamplona.” Allan also served under Adm. Hyman Rickover, “father of the Nuclear Navy.”
After retirement from the Navy, Allan managed contract negotiations for several defense contract companies in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. After his “final” retirement, Allan enjoyed giving tours aboard the Battleship Wisconsin in downtown Norfolk.
Allan loved sailing, walking on the beach, seafood, favorite sweets, and talking about his favorite NFL team, the Denver Broncos. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren.
A funeral service was conducted by Rabbi Israel Zoberman at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. Internment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined. Donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (Lbda.org, or the Wounded Warrior Project, (www.woundedwarriorproject. org). Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.