Crispulo Carter Mangaser

Crispulo (Chris) Carter Mangaser passed away peacefully at Spring Arbor of Crofton on July 30, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years, Clarice. Born in Chicago on January 7, 1931, Chris was the son of the late Crispulo L. and Mildred (Carter) Mangaser. He was the loving father of Sheila Rene Mangaser-Ross and the Gina Cristi Mangaser; proud stepfather to Clarence (Stormy) Laurence, Jr and Alvin Prejean Jr; devoted grandfather to Darius Hines, Christian Ross; step-grandfather to Alvin (AJ) Prejean III, Amber Knellinger, Marissa Prejean, Rasaan Laurence, Clarence Laurence III, and Karmen Williams.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Gina Cristi; stepson Stormy; and brother Antonio. Chris leaves behind many relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Chris graduated from Englewood High School in 1949, from Wilson Jr. College in 1951, and Chicago State University in 1976. He was a good athlete, having played football in high school, and basketball and tennis in college. He played minor league baseball for the Chicago White Sox until an injury ended his career.

He served as a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean war. His entertainment and people skills were noticed there. Chris served as an announcer for many Army events, including broadcasting many of their sporting events. He went on to be employed by the US Postal Service for 20 years as a clerk, carrier, trainer and union representative. He joined the Cook County Adult Probation Department in 1970 and retired in 1991. While there, he served as supervisor and later headed up the mental health and substance abuse program. He was a former President of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #84.

Chris was always civic-minded and believed in serving wherever he could be of help. Over the years, he quietly mentored many young men, just by being himself. He was a democratic precinct captain and served as an executive board member for the NAACP. He was privileged to discuss non-violent strategy with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and walked many picket lines with Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Chris was also a natural entertainer. He was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and performed as a lead vocalist with many groups. He attended the Midwest Broadcasting School and spent time hosting various radio shows.

Chris loved people and never met a stranger. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He greeted everyone with a smile and a wave. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Clarice and spending time with family and loved ones. They enjoyed going to the casino to play the slots with their $5 bills.

We want to send a special thank you to the staff at Spring Arbor for their wonderful care of Chris, who they lovingly called “Chicago”.

A private family service will be held at a later date.