DOWNEY - Mark Mandala, who served as president of the ABC Television in the late 1980s, died July 11 in Dorset, Vt. He was 72.Born in Downey in 1937, Mandala graduated from USC with a liberal arts degree. Joining ABC in 1962, he served in several positions in sales and management in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. In 1983, Mandala became president of the ABC-owned Television Stations division and in 1986 he became president of the ABC Television Network, where he oversaw sales, affiliate relations, affiliate marketing services, sales development, network operations, program administration and public relations. He maintained residences in La Quinta and Dorset. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan Neely Mandala; three sons: Steve of Greenwich, Conn., Charlie of San Diego and Michael of Palos Verdes; a sister; and six grandchildren. A reception for family and friends was held July 14 at the Dorset Field Club. A second memorial here on the West Coast is being planned.

********** Published: July 31, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 15