Mandell Bublick Obituary

Mandell G. Bublick of Carmel, Ind., and formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 25, 1931, in Chicago to Benjamin and Eva (Garland) Bublick. Mandell was the first of four children. His siblings are: Ronald and Norbert Bublick of Virginia Beach and Marcia Mack of Winston Salem, N.C.

Mandell moved to Benton Harbor from Chicago and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1948. At BHHS, he was a member of the band and ROTC. After high school, he graduated from Western Michigan University with a major in business administration and a minor in music. After college, Mandell served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant in the Quartermasters Corp. in Korea.

Mandell married Barbara Hatosky of Benton Harbor in 1953 at the Vincent Hotel. He and Barbara made their home in Fairplain and were blessed with six children: Susan, Jordan, Larry, Jeffrey, Benjamin and Daniel.

After the army, Mandell joined his father and brothers in the 1950s in business at the BB Department Store in Benton Harbor. In the 1960s, he owned the Comet Discount Stores. In the 1970s, Mandell and Barbara founded The Hang Up at the Fairplain Plaza. Later, he expanded with the Man Alive stores becoming a nationwide specialty apparel chain.

He was a man of great discipline, facing life's challenges with steadfast determination and perseverance. In his later years, he encountered several serious health issues but met them with remarkable courage never once complaining.

Mandell had a lifelong passion for music and was skilled in both clarinet and saxophone. A devoted member of Temple B'nai Shalom in Benton Harbor and later Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel. He raised his children with steadfast love and instilled in them a profound commitment to God and country.

One of Mandell's greatest joys was spending time with his six children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He deeply cherished traveling with close friends Arnie and Diane Rosenberg, round dancing, and living life to its fullest. Above all, his most treasured moments were those spent with his beloved wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 72 years of love and companionship.

Mandell is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; children: Sue (Tom), Jordan, Larry, Jeff, (Faith), Ben and Dan; grandchildren: David, Michael (Adrian), Asher (Ellie), Gila, Avi, Ariel (Leslie), Jonathon (Paula), Yoel, Eli, Max, Sam, Eva and Alex (Nechama); great-grandchildren: Thomas, Layla, Oliva, Ava, Gabriel, Michael, Nathaniel, Hershel, Malka, Leora, Bram, Shay and Amichai.

He was predeceased by his parents; and in-laws: Allie and Ethel Hatosky.

A service will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, at Starks Family Funeral Homes, 2650 Niles Road, St Joseph. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation B'nai Shalom or Congregation Shaary Tefilla. May the Holy One of Israel send strength and comfort to all who mourn the passing of Mandell Bublick.