Lionel Sevilla Mamales

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved uncle, Lionel (Neil) Sevilla Mamales. Born on May 4th 1958, he was the third child of five to Leonarda & Santiago Mamales in Concord, California. Neil was the athletic type growing up managing to learn to ride his bike at age 4 and taking up track in high school. He also coached the women’s volleyball team at Green River Community College.

Neil managed many different careers in sales, the boating industry, trains, and ended with his own business of home improvement. A true handy man in all his crafts. Neil excelled in sharing old stories, making everyone in the room laugh, and showing up when he was needed most. He found joy in simple things like skiing, fishing, golf, frying up some lumpia, and getting to work with his hands. He always put his whole heart into whatever he was doing.

Neil was more than just our uncle, he was family in every sense of the word. A son, a brother, a friend. He took pride in raising his nieces and nephews in his own way. Everyone was given a specific nickname, whether you liked it or not. Some of our most memorable times with Neil were the annual Amtrak ski trip to Whitefish, MT, and all the Harry Potter audiobooks consumed over many long road trips. He taught us life lessons that our parents couldn’t — although some were possibly questionable. His motto in life was simple, “If you bail, you die.” We cannot thank him enough for all the time and love he poured into us, and will honor him by living our lives with that same mentality.

Neil leaves behind family and lifelong friends who loved him deeply and will miss him everyday. Our hearts are broken but we are beyond grateful for the memories, laughs, and meals shared. We will miss getting teased enough to know we are loved, and family gatherings won’t ever be the same without him. Those moments are the ones we will hold onto always.

Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever. Rest easy, uncle Neil.

— Looch, Sammy, Chunk, Smack, Sticks & Juan