Edward Mandell
February 26, 2025

Edward Mandell, 89, of Pittsburgh, PA passed away on February 26, 2025. He was married to his bashert, Phyllis Mandell (Grossman) for 62 years. In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his daughter Sarah Leah and son Kenneth Evan. Ed was born in Wilkinsburg, PA, to Hymen & Anna Mandell. He was proceeded in death by his brother Jerry Mandell and sister Charlette Shiner. Ed enlisted in the Army then continued his service in the Army Reserve during the 1960s.

Ed graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor's degree in education. He also received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Dayton and a Master of Science in library science from the University of Pittsburgh. Ed's professional career began as a teacher at Hillel Academy in Pittsburgh, PA. Ed spent more than 40 years promoting public libraries as community centers. He served as branch manager and director of community libraries in Dayton, Ohio, Fort Worth, Texas, and library director of Peter White Library in Marquette, Michigan.

In 1992, he became director of the Penn Hills Library, where he established the Penn Hills Library Foundation to raise funding for construction of a new facility. His efforts came to fruition with the October 2007 opening of the William A. Anderson Library of Penn Hills. In 2009, Ed was the recipient of the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences Professional Achievement Award.

Ed was active as a volunteer and board member of the Rodef Shalom Brotherhood, where he received a lifetime achievement award for his dedication to service.

Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 12 Noon at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Following the service, family will be receiving friends at their residence. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local public library.

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

Condolences

We now live in New York, our thoughts are with you and the entire family. We give you strength and thoughts at this trying time.

I want to express my heart felt sympathy to the family of Ed Mandell. I knew him for many years as a member of brotherhood at the Rodef Shalom Temple.