Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Good man, good friend, good cop. His life taken by a good for nothing subhuman. All his friends cherish Rob's memory. RIP, my friend.

Lou Di Leonardo
High school buddies

April 23, 2024

My good friend Bob Mandel is gone 47 plus years. He was a good friend of mine during our 4 years at Bishop Loughlin. we were in class 72 D NYC Police Academy
And we were the best handball players who never lost. There are many days I think of him and miss him so . Till we meet again

PTL. Leonard R Clementi. 16302
N Y P D

December 9, 2023

Rob was a fun kid in high school. Always helpful, liked to play sports, got along with everyone. Looking back, I could see how he would want to be a police officer: to help law abiding people in NYC live in peace and not in fear of criminals during that dark and dangerous time in the city's history. His passing was a real loss to friends, family, and the police force. RIP, Rob.

Lou Di Leonardo
High school friend

April 23, 2022

Officer Mandel (Bobby) will be in my heart forever. Worked patrol in sector c/d with Bobby then later in anti-crime. We went to high school together, academy, and the 77 pct. Not only was he a great cop but a great friend outside the pct. I'm sure he's happy that his fellow officers never forgot nor will we ever forget this great Police Officer. Rest in Peace.

PO Charlie Niemeyer
NYPD (partner)

April 22, 2022

On April 3, 1977 I was just 13 years old and I lived just a block away from where officer Mandel was shot and killed. I remember it as if it happened yesterday. As a young kid I was in awe as so many patrol cars raced down my street that day. But to now put a name and face to that incident I remember so clearly it makes it that much more real. May you forever Rest In Peace.

P.O. William Borques
NYPD Ret.

February 15, 2022

This is for Leonard Clementi. My wife and I were visiting my Nana’s grave today for her birthday at Cypress Hills cemetery in Brooklyn and my wife noticed a grave across from her’s with a NYPD shield for Robert W. Mandel. She pointed the stone out to me as I am currently on the job. We found the officer down memorial page online and saw your comment that he was dear friend of yours and you aren’t sure where he’s buried. We just wanted to pass along the information to you. His grave is along the fence line right behind Franklin K. Lane that shares a fence with mount hope cemetery near the roadway. His headstone is closest to the fence line.

PO Mike Faught
NYPD

October 31, 2021

Retired Ptll. Leonard Clementi. My friend Bobby Mandela went to Bishop Loughlin in Bklyn. From 1964 to 1968 ,several years later we were in the same Academy class. We were kickass handball players and never lost. When we graduated he went to the 77 Pct. I went to the 24Pct.. He was an usher at my wedding in 1973. My good friend died a day after my birthday , and was buried on his 26 th birthday. April 25,1977. Very few days go by when I don t think about my friend. The only thing I regret is not knowing what cemetery he is buried in.. Gone but not forgotten Your good friend. Leonard R Clementi

Pro Leonard Clementi
N Y P D

September 22, 2021

P.O Salmones arrested this lowlife for assault on me a few weeks before . On Franklin Ave on a late tour a few weeks before. We gave pics and addresses that helped lead to his arrest He got LIFE but was out in only a few years. ............................Joe Spadafora

Ret. PO Joe Spadafora
NYPD

April 23, 2021

Bobby
I have not forgotten that terrible day on Franklin Ave. 44 years later and still like yesterday. Rest In Peace

P.O. Stephen Gerke
NYPD

April 23, 2021

I remember that tragic day when Bobby was shot. I lived on the same block as Richie (Bobby’s brother, also a MOS) and Linda Mandel. I was home and Linda started pounding on my door and saying, ‘Bobby’s been shot. Can you take me to the hospital?’ We rushed to Brooklyn Jewish Hospital, where we stayed for the next three days as Bobby slipped away from us. Along with 2 other MOS I had the honor of working as a liaison to the family from the department during his time in the hospital, wake and funeral. Bobby was a great cop and a great athlete.
‘No greater love says the Lord, than to lay down you life for friend.’
RIP Police Officer Robert ( Bobby) Mandel.

Sgt. Steve Kenny, NYPD (Ret.)
NYPD, 77 Pct. (1970-1978)

April 23, 2021

I surely remember. Rest in Peace my friend. You will always be remembered and missed. Zeke

Police Officer Joseph Zayas
NYPD 77th Precinct

April 23, 2021

It s been 43 years since my high school buddy and academy partner passed. There r very few days
That I don't think of him. We had many good times in High school , Bishop Loughlin class of 68
And later in the Police Academy. I went to the 24 Pct He went to the 77 Pct. He was an exceptional Officer and I miss him everyday. Till we meet again my good friend.

Retired Ptl Len Clementi 16302

Len Clementi
NYPD.

December 29, 2020

I have been thinking of Bobby recently, after my sons 47th Birthday. I was in the academy with Bobby and was working in the 71st Pct Anti Crime Unit when Bobby was killed. I can never forget that day and can’t believe it’s been 43 years. He passed away on my sons 4th Birthday, 4/23/1977. I remember Bob as a real gentleman and always made you laugh when you were around him. Hard to think back sometimes on that tragic day but I know he will never be forgotten RIP Bob

Ptl. Pete Graffagnino
NYPD

June 15, 2020

Robert and I were high school mates, ironically about a mile from where he was murdered in Brooklyn. He was a loyal friend who could take as well as give a good-natured joke. Fun to be around, he was not in anyone's face ever but I wouldn't have recommended anyone start a fight with him. We lost contact after graduation but I will forever remember my sadness when I read about his murder in the Daily News. New York's Finest really did lose one of its finest on April 19, 1977. Rest In Peace, Rob.

Civilian Lou Di Leonardo
Retired

April 26, 2020

I leave this reflection to my good friend . 4 year high school buddy. NYPD class mate. 72D. Today Bobby would have been your 69 th Birthday. You were buried on your birthday. There are few days in the past 46 years that I think of you. Today. makes me sad. I know you are at peace with your family and God. Your. Good friend. Retired Ptl. Leonard Clementi Rest in peace. Till we meet again. Always in my prayers

Ret. Ptl. Leonard Cclementi. Shield # 1
NYPD.

April 25, 2020

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

April 23, 2020

Rest in Peace my brother. For your service and sacrifice, I salute you.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

April 23, 2020

I knew Bobby as a teenager when we had several classes together at Bishop Loughlin HS. Always smiling and happy, he had many friends. We rode home on the A train as he lived in Ozone Park and I in Broad Channel. We lost touch after graduation, but to my surprise there he was in the Police Academy class - Company D in 1972 that I was in. We were together again on the A train. As luck, or rather misfortune would have it, we both landed in the infamous 77 Pct. The rest is history. I've thought of Bobby recently as I have lost two good friends recently to CV19. Over 40 years and the loss of Bobby still stings.

Lt Tom Barry
NYPD

April 13, 2020

My father-in-law passed away 2 years ago. While going through his papers We found a accommodation for him. He arrested the person who Murdered Officer Mandel. He never spoke of "The Job" but at his wake we did hear some great stories of how much of a great cop he was.

Jim

August 12, 2017

I REMBER BOBBY MANDELL FROM BROOKLYN WE WERE FRIENDS AS TEENS HE WAS KIND FUN A REAL GOOD PERSON HANGING OUT ESSEX & LIBERTY REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND NEIL DEPASCALE

NEIL DEPASCALE

February 26, 2016

Your killers parole hearing is this December..ODMP will send an e-mail alert, as they always do, and I will be sure to sign the petition against this persons release..You were killed five months before I began my career with CPD which ended in my retirement in 1997..God be with your family brave soul..

Gary A. McCarty (ret.)

April 23, 2012

Bobby was my cousin. We were close as kids ,but, grew apart as we got older. We both loved the Yankees and would always talk about them when we would get together. He was a very good man, a very good person, and he is greatly missed and never to be forgotten.

Joe Manzione
Cousin

December 9, 2011

To The Family Of Officer Mandel:

I wanted to offer my sympathies on your tragic death. You were a true hero whose bravery and courage will never be forgotten by your family, friends and colleagues. My dad was a New York police officer working out of the 102 Precinct. My you rest in peace officer Mandel. Olav Hashalom

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 19, 2010

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

April 27, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Police Officer Mandel and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

April 14, 2009