November 30, 1936 - January 5, 2023
The family is saddened to announce the death of Joe Mandel who died unexpectedly from a stroke, in Stratford, Ontario. Joe was a proud native of Wellington, New Zealand. His parents were the late Edward and Rua Mandel. He was predeceased by his brother, Paul. Joe is survived by his sister-in-law, Adrienne; nephews Brent, Nathan, and Mel; his niece Tracey (Dan); his four great nieces and nephews Lucy, Tim, Jonty, and Margot; and much-loved cousins. Joe’s partner of 46 years was the late theatre director, Robin Phillips; he leaves behind, Robin’s sister, Hillary Weatherburn, niece, Sarah, and nephew, Simon.
Joe had a remarkable career as a hotelier, initially in New Zealand and then for many years in London, UK where he was General Manager of the flagship Rank Hotel. He immigrated to Canada with Robin in 1973, and was one of the originators of Stratford's culinary scene. He established and was the sole proprietor of the widely renowned Church Restaurant in Stratford, later opening its upstairs companion, The Belfry Bar. “The Church” and the "The Belfry" were frequented by high-profile visitors, theatregoers, the arts community and Stratford residents. Joe will be remembered as a warm, welcoming, and gracious host to all. Ten years after he opened The Church, Joe became one of the co-founders of the influential Stratford Chefs School.
A bon-vivant with a wicked sense of humour, an intellect, a theatre aficionado, a community-builder, an explorer, a fabulous conversationalist, and a wonderful companion, Joe will be dearly missed by his surviving family and his deep and wide circle of friends—old and new.
Memorial donations may be made directly by credit card to The AFC (Actors’ Fund of Canada) which provides emergency financial aid as well as support programs and services to Canadian entertainment professionals www.afchelps.ca or to PAL (Performing Arts Lodge) Stratford which provides affordable housing in Stratford, Ontario to seniors who are/were associated with Canada’s professional and performing arts communities www.palstratford.org
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford, ON. 519.271.7411. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
