Mangione, John "Jay" Francis Jr.
LOUDONVILLE - With heavy hearts, we share that John "Jay" Francis Mangione Jr., 58, of Loudonville, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Jay is survived by his wife, Lois Danielle Carlton; his three sons, Jack Carlton Mangione, Thaddeus Carlton Mangione, and Linus Carlton Mangione; his mother, Karen Mangione (Dunn); his sisters, Dawn (Jason) Romano and Wendy Lolik; and his nieces. Sarah Romano and Rachel Lolik. He was predeceased by his father, John F. Mangione Sr.; his grandparents, John "Jack" and Jane Dunn and Felix and Anna Mae Mangione; and his brother-in-law, Randy Lolik.
Born on June 24, 1967, in Troy, N.Y., Jay grew up in Niskayuna, N.Y. As a teenager, Jay taught himself to play golf, hopping the fence at the Mohawk Country Club to play a hole or two at dusk. At Niskayuna High School, he played a pivotal role as the central defender in the soccer team's Suburban Council and Section II Championship wins, with the team making it all the way to the State quarterfinals. Jay was gifted in his role as the last line of defense, consistently able to sweep up loose balls and cover for teammates, which was symbolic of his lifelong friendships. In addition to his quick speed and powerful boot, he was known for his vertical leap, which led him to also excel as a high jumper on the track team. He graduated in 1985 and went on to earn his B.S. in Economics from St. Bonaventure University in 1989, where he was a member of the golf team. Both the institution and the sport would remain close to his heart for the rest of his life.
Jay devoted 35 years of his professional life to New York State Association of Electrical Contractors and its wholly owned subsidiary, Elec-Con Agency, Inc., ultimately serving as Executive Director. He also served for many years as a trustee of the Cardinal Disability Insurance Trust. Jay led with integrity, quiet strength, and deep respect for the people he worked alongside.
Above all, Jay was a consummate family man. He was most at home in the joyful chaos created by his three boys, often found poolside with a Stella in hand, encouraging their camaraderie and adventures. Whether hiking waterfalls in Costa Rica, "poking around" the neighborhood on bikes, or perfecting the art of sneaking out of a campsite in search of a good restaurant, Jay treasured every moment spent with his sons. He took pride in passing along what he considered essential life skills: how to swing a golf club, the finer points of leaf blowing, and the value of a job well done.
Jay was defined by his unwavering pride in Jack, Thaddeus, and Linus. He was a constant presence at cross country and track finish lines, a steadfast supporter of their involvement in JROTC and beyond, and a devoted volunteer alongside his family in the community. If one of his boys was interested in something, Jay was interested, too. His legacy lives on in the kindness, tenacity, and goofy sense of humor his sons embody each and every day.
When not with his family, Jay "Mango" could be found enjoying a round of golf or traveling the country on NCAA basketball trips with lifelong high school and college friends. A devoted Bonnies fan, he followed St. Bonaventure Bonnies men's basketball with unmatched enthusiasm and attended as many games as possible at the Reilly Center.
Lois often marveled at Jay's ability to spend a morning "puttering." a pastime that frequently evolved into tackling an ambitious DIY project that always turned out beautifully. There was seemingly no home improvement challenge he could not master. His steady hands and patient determination left their mark not only on his home, but on all who knew him. Jay had a rare gift for listening quietly and then offering just the right words, thoughtful, measured, and often laced with his signature well-timed sense of humor. We will miss him madly as he continues on The Good Journey.
Visitation will be held at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany, on Tuesday, February 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 25, at 11 a.m., at St. Pius X Loudonville Church.
To leave a special message for the family, please visit
www.McveighFuneralHome.comIn lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jay's memory to the Franciscan Mountain Retreat Center at St. Bonaventure University (Mt. Irenaeus), P.O. Box 10, West Clarksville, N.Y. 14786,
https://mountainonline.org/give-receive/donate-to-the-mountain/ or in Jay's memory to Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) 12 Airline Drive, Albany, N.Y. 12205
https://cbaalbany.org/annual-fund/Published by Albany Times Union on Feb. 22, 2026.