Dear Caldwell,
They said goodbye in Shelby today to local hero, Al Mancinelli, Marie’s dad, soldier-servant and man of the church, who died Sunday night at 94. It was a chance, at this sensitive moment in the life of our nation, to celebrate all that is good and lasting, how “regular,” every-day people are the ones who truly make America great.
Al was the son of immigrants from Italy. The Mancinelli name translates roughly as “good with one’s hands.” Indeed, Al made himself useful throughout his life. In World War II, he served in the 17th Airborne Parachute Division. As a member of the forward guard, he helped liberate Europe. For his courageous service, he received France’s highest decoration for foreign nationals who served in France.
Back home, Al didn’t stop serving. He worked at the Charlotte Observer and the Shebly Star (a newspaper man after my own heart). He volunteered generously in his community, at the hospital among other places. He was a faithful Presbyterian, an elder who was devoted to Shelby Presbyterian’s ministry to the hungry.
He was an egalitarian who looked upon all of God’s children as equals. One of his best friends late in life was a native of Germany, through whom and with whom he reconciled his military service. As a final thrill, he parachuted one last time just months ago. But before he went up in the plane, he turned to a buddy and said he was jumping for other units, especially the “Triple Nickel, the 555th,” the first African-American Airborne Unit.
Before he died, Al chose scripture for his service that reminded us to lean on our faith in times of trouble and uncertainty. Picking a military image from Philippians 4, he chose Paul’s words that remind us that the “peace that passes all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (What a comfort, that the Lord guards us with peace.) We sang those beautifuil words of the hymn When Peace Like a River:
“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,
It is well with my soul.”
Al’s was a truly American life, a first-generation citizen who answered his country’s call, built his community, served his Lord and loved is daughter Marie and her wife Terry unconditionally.
At this inflection point in America, even as we begin our prayer vigil tonight, I was left remembering what outgoing President Barak Obama said yesterday, “Still, out of everything going on in the world, I believe there is more good in people than bad.”
So on this day, whatever burdens you may bear, whatever joys or concerns you carry, may God’s peace guard your heart and may it be well with your soul.
Please remember Marie today as she travels to be with Terry, who will bury her mother tomorrow in Boone.
Watch for more in Caldwell This Week later.
In Christ,
John