Timothy L. Mange, lovingly known simply as “Tim” to most who knew him, was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on September 2, 1952, the youngest son of Alfred E. Mange, Jr. and Dorothy M. (Lockenwitz) Mange. He was raised on the family homestead atop Beartown Mountain in Great Barrington alongside his five siblings. Tim cherished his upbringing on the mountain, where his lifelong love of the outdoors first took root. As a boy, he could often be found fishing, hunting, berry picking, helping on the farm, tending to animals, or simply enjoying the beauty of the land he loved so deeply.

As a young boy, Tim was incredibly proud to have been selected by famed artist Norman Rockwell to pose as a model for several advertisement paintings, including campaigns for Skippy Peanut Butter and Lancaster Turkey. He attended schools in Great Barrington, including Monument Mountain Regional High School.

Following school, Tim proudly served his country in the Army National Guard as a tank mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1978. His natural mechanical ability was evident from an early age. He bought his first car at just 12 years old and spent much of his youth taking engines apart simply to learn how to rebuild them. Over the years, there was hardly anything with a motor Tim couldn’t fix.

Tim worked at several garages and dealerships throughout Berkshire County, earning his ASE Master Technician certification before opening his own business, Mange Automotive Service, in Cheshire in the early 1990s. Through hard work, honesty, and exceptional skill, the business became a trusted staple of the Northern Berkshire community for more than three decades. In later years, he continued to work alongside his oldest son, Dan, who continues to run the family business today.

In 1981, Tim married the love of his life, the former Ann E. Gurney. Together they built a beautiful life over 44 years of marriage, raising three loving children while creating a home filled with laughter, hard work, and unconditional love. While balancing family life and running a business, Tim poured his heart into the little hobby farm he built in Cheshire, where he spent countless happy hours raising animals, gardening, rebuilding antique tractors and farm equipment, and enjoying the peace of being outdoors with his faithful beagle, Penny.

Tim was a kind, dependable, generous, and deeply devoted man. He possessed a quiet wisdom and a willingness to help anyone in need. A man of strong faith, he was a longtime communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Cheshire, where he faithfully served as a greeter for many years.

In addition to his beloved wife, Ann, he also leaves his sons, Daniel Mange and his wife Meghan of Cheshire, and Ryan Mange and his wife Melissa of Sunderland; and his daughter, Heather Mange Zaniboni and her husband Robbie of Cheshire.

In recent years, one of Tim’s greatest joys was becoming “Papa” to his seven beloved grandchildren: Lily, Noelle, Isaiah, and Landon Zaniboni; Cullen and Aoife Mange; and Emma Mange. He was their greatest teacher of life lessons, fishing buddy, storyteller, and best friend. His family lovingly referred to themselves as the “Mange Party of 15,” a title Tim wore with enormous pride. He also leaves behind his brother, Jerry Mange Sr. of Munson, Massachusetts, along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Dorothy Mange; his sister, Judith Williams; and his brothers Alfred III, Dennis, and William Mange.

While words can capture pieces of Tim’s life, they cannot fully express the kind of man he truly was — loving, hardworking, humble, generous, and endlessly devoted to his family and friends. There was nothing he would not do for the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the hands he helped, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched.

Tim would want everyone reading this to go out and live their lives fully, joyfully, and surrounded by the people they love most.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Tim’s life during calling hours at Dery Funeral Home in Cheshire on Friday May 15th from 4-7pm. A Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church will be Saturday May 16th beginning at 9am followed by burial at Cheshire Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to either “St. Mary of the Assumption Church” or “Cheshire Fire Department” and mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 445 Cheshire, MA 01225