[Rockhounds] passing of Joe Mandarino

[DonH]

Hi all,

With great sadness I report the passing of the legendary Joe Mandarino. 
  Among his many accomplishments, he is best known to the general public 
as having edited Fleischer's Glossary of Mineral Species, was Chair of 
the Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names, wrote many of the 
protocols on new minerals and nomenclature, and was a regular and key 
figure at the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium.  One of his last 
projects was to contribute to, and write the Foreword for, the new book 
on mineral ID mentioned by Tom Corson.  His very last project was a new 
encyclopedia of minerals, which I'm told will be finished by one of his 
colleagues.

He could be feisty and cantankerous, but also had a bizarre sense of 
humor.  If you called him "Dr. Mandarino," he would say, "my name is 
Joe, and if you call me doctor again, I will take off your clothes and 
examine you."  He was an extraordinary man, and I imagine there will be 
major tributes in R&M and MinRec.

Take the time today to call someone whom you haven't talked to in a while.

Best to all,
Don