GLENS FALLS --- Jay Mangels, a kind and gentle soul, aged 68, passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer on Monday, February 21, 2022, with loved ones by his side.

Born August 4, 1953, in New Rochelle, he was the son of Charles and Claire (Hacker) Mangels.

Jay was employed as a master mechanic at Morris J Hacker and Son from around 1967 as a young teenager, through his entire life. He became a co-owner with his brother in 1989, and reluctantly retired in July 2007. He earned many awards and certificates for excellence in automotive services.

His love of all things cars was renowned. He was active with Dover Dragstrip where he drag raced with his late best friend Joe Sciacca in the 1970's. Most recently was his all too brief love for his '69 Grand Prix J Series, which was gifted to him by all of his children in August 2021.

Jay married Nancy Regina McCarthy at the College of New Rochelle Holy Family Chapel on August 22, 1987.

He was a proud member of the Continental Village Volunteer Fire Department in Cortlandt Manor, New York from 1998 to 2008.

Jay was an absolute genius with all things mechanical. His other passion was music. He passed his vast knowledge on to his family and friends. He spent four years in New Smyrna Beach, Florida from 1972 until 1977, managing a KOA campground. He reflected on these as being the best years of his young life. Jay moved to Glens Falls five years ago, in 2017, after living in Cortlandt Manor for thirty years, where he raised his family. His favorite place was Kyles Pub in Peekskill, New York.

His wife loved him more than life itself. He was her one true soulmate and they absolutely adored each other. Jay was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His favorite title was Grandpa.

Jay was predeceased by his father, Charles Mangels in December 2010. He is also predeceased by his friends, Joseph Sciacca, Thomas Prosser, Kris Jacobson, Anthony (Corinne) Maggiore, and Paul Thomas Kennedy (Eileen).

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 35 years, Nancy Regina (McCarthy) Mangels; children, Caitlin Ruth Porto (Thomas) of Gansevoort, Casey Jay Mangels (Catalina Florez) of Frederick, Maryland, Kieran Patrick (Faylo Kennedy) of Broomfield, Colorado, and Colleen Houghten (Justin) of Burnt Hills; mother, Claire Mangels of Pauling, New York and siblings, Steve Mangels and Rebecca Mangels-McManus;grandchildren, Emilia and Olivia Porto, the little loves of his life; sisters-in-law, Mary, Lynn, Marion, and Lucy McCarthy, and Peg Jeffers; brothers-in-law, Richard, Kevin, and Mark McCarthy; in-laws, James Richard and Nuala McCarthy; countless friends, including his continental village crew; as well as his fifth child, his dog, Scout.

A memorial celebration is planned for June 11, 2022. Details will follow.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Jay's sister-in-law, Mary Frances McCarthy for holding us all together with love; Diane Varney, Kate Westad, and Kelly Sprague-Smith for the gentle and compassionate care they provided; Kyle and Sally Robbins and Nate White for everything they do and everything they are; and Karl and Jacqueline Pehnke for a lifetime of love.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Jay's name be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or through https://www.stjude.org/donate/.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.