Edmund "Ed" Louis Mangan III

Edmund “Ed” Louis Mangan III, BSEE, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on October 17, 2022, days after celebrating his 79th birthday in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Edmund Louis Mangan II and Genevieve Mardell (Green) Mangan on October 13, 1943. The fourth of eight children, Ed graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1961.

Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force where he excelled in his career as an aircraft maintenance technician, communications electronics engineer, and an Air Force recruiting officer. He also proudly served during the Vietnam conflict being stationed in Thailand. After an 18-year career, Ed was honorably discharged from the USAF in 1979 with the rank of Captain.

Ed met his former wife, LaNora Pruett, while stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. They were married July 22, 1967, and immediately moved as he had orders to be stationed in Germany. On June 17, 1968, they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa Marie Mangan at Hahn AFB, “West” Germany. On October 13, 1972, Ed and LaNora were delighted to welcome their second daughter, Laura Lynne Mangan in Phoenix, Arizona. They moved to several states while Ed was with the Air Force but the family finally settled in Mesa, Arizona when he was stationed at Williams AFB. Ed and LaNora later divorced in February 1986.

Following his military career, Ed worked as an energy management consultant and eventually started his own company, Energy Design and Consulting, “EDC.” He specialized in saving schools on their electric costs so their funds could be allocated elsewhere.

Growing up, Ed loved to dance; he would attend dances with his sisters Edna (Mangan) Smedley and Margaret “Marge” Mangan, and his cousin Betty Hamer. His favorite dance was the Swing, the upbeat music and fast-paced steps truly reflected his out-going and jovial personality. On a few occasions, Ed and his niece, Katie (Jeralds) Stockle were swing dance partners for Katie’s competitions and special events in Marion, Illinois.

Professionally, Ed later taught ballroom dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Phoenix, Arizona. When he was a new instructor, Ed was introduced to a new student, Ann Schminke, when the two were paired together for a few dances. They loved to dance together and eventually taught dance lessons to other couples at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. They were life partners for about 20 years before his passing.

Ed fully enjoyed volunteering for several military organizations and causes. He was a long-time member of the American Legion Post 64 and served as Commander from 2016-2018. He was also very active in the Military Officers Association of America, MOAA. In December of 2012, Ed was inducted as the local chapter President for the first time. In addition, he volunteered with ESGR, working with local employers to support Reserve and National Guard members’ service commitments. In October 2017, Ed was proudly inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. He enjoyed participating in multiple parades, flag ceremonies, and supporting local JROTC programs.

Ed enthusiastically attended countless Arizona Diamondbacks games over the years. He and Ann had Sunday tickets for a few seasons directly behind home plate. Ed also loved going to Spring Training and regular season games with his daughters Lisa and Laura. He organized a couple fundraising games for his military organizations; Ed was also part of the color guard with his American Legion post when they presented the colors behind home plate. And, he loved going to games when family members would travel to Arizona. He thoroughly enjoyed the last game he attended in July of this year with his youngest sister, Joann, and daughters, Lisa and Laura.

Edmund was predeceased by his parents Edmund and Genevieve Mangan, sisters Rosemary Gross and Edna Smedley, and brother Patrick Mangan.

Edmund is survived by a large family including his sisters Margaret “Marge” Mangan and Joann (Scott) Jeralds both of Marion, Illinois, brothers Michael “Mick” (Barb) Mangan and Larry (Lesa) Mangan, both of Marion, Illinois, daughters Lisa M. Mangan and Laura Lynne Mangan both of Gilbert, Arizona, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 7, 2022 at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary located at 4310 E Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042. Services begin at 11:30 a.m. A graveside ceremony will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery located at 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Edmund’s honor to either The American Heart Association or The American Legion.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Mangan family.