Former ABC Chief Mark Mandela Dies

Mark Mandela, former president of the ABC Television Network died on July 11 in Dorset, Vt. while playing golf, according to his family. He was 72.

Mandela spent 32 years with ABC-TV and at his retirement in 1994, he was President of the ABC Television Network.

He joined ABC in 1962 and over the next 32 years, he rose through the ranks in sales and management in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. He was promoted to President of the ABC Owned and Operated Stations Division in 1983 and in 1986, was promoted to President of the ABC Television Network, where he oversaw sales, affiliate relations, affiliate marketing services, sales development, network operations, program administration and public relations.

Mandala is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan Neely Mandala; three sons: Steve of Greenwich, Connecticut, Charlie of San Diego, California and Michael of Palos Verdes, California; a sister, Cecelia Woodward of Lancaster, California and six grandchildren: Nicole, Kelly, Jack, Michael, Max and Katherine.

A reception for family and friends will be hosted on Tuesday, July 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Dorset Field club in Dorset, Vermont. An additional memorial will be planned in the future on the West Coast for family and friends there.