Briarcliff's Mangialardi, A 'Humble Gentleman'

"John was a true humble gentleman."

Ossining GOP Chairman Stephen Dewey knew John Mangialardi, the Briarcliff Manor resident who was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing Route 9A Tuesday night, as both an attorney and a military man.

"Many don’t know that besides being a well-respected and successful attorney, he volunteered his time to provide legal assistance to the Judge Advocate General’s Office of the NY State Guard which helped to prepare any legal matters and counseling to our soldiers before they were deployed overseas, as well as, other legal matters needed for the military and emergency drills and planning," Dewey told Patch in an email.

Westchester County Police said Manglialardi was hanging campaign signs for the upcoming Ossining Town Justice (he is endorsed by the Ossining Town Republican Committee) election at about 10:15 p.m. before the accident.

Robert P. Astorino, Westchester County executive, spoke highly of Mangialardi in a statement released today.

"John was a talented attorney, an aspiring public servant, a devoted husband, father, and my personal friend," Astorino reflected.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Mangialardi, a 38-year-old Nanuet woman, in the northbound lanes of Route 9A near the Route 134 intersection, has been charged with driving while intoxicated. She is being held on $250,000 bail pending an appearance in Ossining Town Court. 

County police have talked to another driver at the scene who said she also didn't see Mangialardi in the dark until one or two seconds before he was hit, police spokesperson Kieran O'Leary said. The speed limit in that area is 45 mph.

However, Astorino said the drunk driving allegation makes Mangialardi's death "especially difficult."

The County Executive said, "My heart and prayers go out to the Mangialardi family as they begin to deal with this senseless tragedy. I offer them my sincerest condolences and pledge my continuing efforts to combat the epidemic of drunk driving that has claimed too many of our better souls, like John."

Dewey told Patch Mangialardi leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

"Again, if the dictionary had to define 'gentleman'...there only need be an arrow pointing to his picture annexed," he said.