Obituary of David Mandel

November 29, 2023

David Mandel

March 14, 1961 ~ November 29, 2023

David Mandel, the first child and only son of Janet Robinson and Robert Mandel, was born on March 14, 1961 in Union, New Jersey. His artistic talent and creativity were apparent at a very early age, always choosing to draw, cut or glue something over playing with a toy car. His parents embraced him as he began a jewelry business and going to craft shows when he was 12 years old. David grew up in the tumultuous 1970s, before the cultural shifts and understanding of gender norms existed. He was always very brave and unabashedly himself. David did not have a choice, his inner light and colors could not be smothered by homophobia and ignorance.

He was unapologetically himself. He was beautiful.

David had so many artistic and personal accomplishments it is impossible to name them all. He described himself as a Fashion School dropout and through being mentored, self learning and determination, David was a sculptor, painter, floral designer, clothing designer, and most prominently a jewelry designer.

His work is highly collectible and is honored to be included in some of the finest collections worldwide. He was an artist in residence at the Museum of Art and Design (MAD) and his work was part of MAD's upcoming exhibition Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger. His pieces are included in World Jewelry Facets- 2013; a traveling multimedia presentation created by Swarovski Elements. He also has won multiple awards (first & second place) 2008, 2009 in the Swarovski, "Be Naturally Inspired" design contest. Larger-than-life pieces were part of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show-2012. He has been involved in a number of group shows, such as T-20 at The Christopher Henry Gallery, NYC, Diamonds are a Boy's Best Friend at the Casa Frela Gallery NYC, and the Iris Apfel exhibition at the Peabody Museum in Massachusetts. He has collaborated with other designers and his work has appeared in many runway shows during NY Fashion Week. He sold his designs in boutiques in Europe & Austraila. He designed exclusively for The Show Must Go On! and numerous private labels.

Please remember David with all the splendor that life offers, "I think of myself as a crystal, multi-faceted with the vitality of life, full of angles, refractions and contradictions. Expect the unexpected from me."

David is welcomed to the other side by his mother Janet Robinson, husband Tony Fiscina, nephew Zane, Uncle Michael Mattia, Cousin J. Aaron Mattia, and too many friends to list.

David leaves behind to treasure him always, his husband Pierre Carrilero, father Robert, sister Lauren (Donette Smith), nephew Maxwell (Bri Livoti) and so many friends, colleagues, and admirers.

An art show celebrating David and his work is being planned for 2024. Cremation and burial is being held privately by his family.