

On Friday, March 14, 2008, at 9:00 AM Van Daele Louis Mabrito entered the presence of his Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ, and of his loved ones who had gone before him. Born February 15, 1920 in San Antonio, and a lifelong resident, Van was named after his great grandfather Herman Van Daele, a pioneer Belgium settler of Texas and Bexar County.
An all-district, all-city and honorable mention in state in football at Jefferson High School, Van Daele went to S.M.U. on a football scholarship, and graduated in 1942 on an academic scholarship.
During WWII, while working at the 8th Service Command in Dallas, Van met his beloved wife of over 60 years, the former Rauzia Nell Antle.
A born salesman, Van began selling magazines before he was 10 years old during the Great Depression, and continued a successful sales career until his retirement in 1990 from Nocona Boot Company where for most of his 30 years there he garnered many awards as their top rep.
In later years he was an avid collector of the boy's novels that inspired him as a youth. His children fondly remember cross-America family vacations as well as summers at Camp Alzafar, one of Van Daele's favorite places, where his family went since he was seven.
He was a member of Alamo Masonic Lodge No. 44 AF & AM and Alzafar Shrine.
In later years, Van and Rauzia enjoyed traveling abroad.
Van Daele was preceded in death by his wife, Rauzia Nell Mabrito, his brother Martel Mabrito, sister Gladys Edwards, grand daughter Bettina Mabrito and great grand daughter Mary Nix.
He is survived by his daughter Judy Neckar and husband Steve, sons Van Daele Mabrito, Marc Mabrito and wife Laura, Scott Mabrito and wife Terri, 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 15 great great grandchildren, sister Gloria Williams and brother Wesley Mabrito.
The family expresses deep appreciation to Van's final caregiver, Mandy Ortega and her husband Hector.
Visitation will be on Monday, March 17th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Porter Loring, 1101 McCullough.
On Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00 A.M. a graveside service will be held at Mission Burial Park South, 1700 SE Military Drive including Masonic services of Alamo Lodge No. 44 AF & AM.
In lieu of flowers, those who desire memorials may be sent to Shriner's Crippled Hospital of San Antonio c/o: Alzafar Shrine Temple, 901 N. Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78232.
Jesus said, I AM the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me, will never die. Do you believe this. John 11:25-26
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