21 July 2025
In a heartfelt ceremony that united family, friends, local officials, and members of the Deer Park community, the Town of Babylon honored Barbara Mangano with a ceremonial street renaming near the Mangano Family Funeral Home. The newly designated “Barbara Mangano Memorial Way” now stands as a permanent tribute to a woman whose life embodied compassion, leadership, and service.
A Life of Firsts and Lifelong Dedication
Born in Brooklyn in 1949, Barbara Mangano moved to Deer Park at the age of 14 and began working in her grandfather’s funeral home at just 11 years old. In 1971, she made history as the first female licensed funeral director in Suffolk County, paving the way for future generations of women in the profession.
Over the decades, Barbara served the community not only through her family’s funeral business but also as an active member of numerous civic and charitable organizations, including the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of Italy, South Shore Lions Club, and the Deer Park Business Women’s Professional Club. She supported causes such as Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Mercy Soup Kitchen, Ss. Cyril and Methodius RC Church, and the Bowery Mission.
A Beloved Matriarch Remembered
“My mother was the heart and soul of our family and our business. She dedicated her life to helping others during their most difficult times and to lifting up the community she loved so deeply,” said Sal Mangano, President of Mangano Family Funeral Home. “This street sign is more than a name, it’s a symbol of the compassion, resilience, and love she embodied every day.”
Barbara’s influence reaches far beyond her professional achievements. She was a devoted mother, grandmother of six, and a woman known for her love of cooking, travel, and family time. Those closest to her remember her as a woman of deep empathy who always put others first.
A Lasting Symbol of Community Impact
The street naming ceremony ensures Barbara Mangano’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of Deer Park for years to come. Her life’s work and unwavering kindness continue to inspire both her family and the many lives she touched throughout her journey.
About Mangano Family Funeral Homes
With a century of family-run service, Mangano Family Funeral Homes offers compassionate care and support to Long Island families in their time of need. For more information, visit www.manganofh.com.
Photo Credit: Town of Babylon
Photo Caption: Staff of Mangano Family Funeral Homes gather at the dedication ceremony for Barbara Mangano Memorial Way, honoring her legacy and lifelong commitment to the community.
Media Contact: Jason Zove, Standard Advisors Group | consult@standardadv.com | (516) 373-6200