Clarissa Pope Mancuso, 81, actress and loving mother and grandmother, died Tuesday, April 16, 2002 in Evanston. Mrs. Mancuso was known for her numerous appearances on television and for being a gregarious and passionate golfer. With a unique ability to create knitted sweaters depicting famous golf courses and clubhouses, her sweaters custom-designed on her label and sold at pro shops such as the Boca Raton Hotel and Club in Boca Raton, FL. Graduating from Goodman Theatre School, Mrs. Mancuso toured with the USO, where she met her husband, and appeared in several TV shows in the 50’s as well as later roles on NBC’s “Saved by the Bell,” “USA High” and “Running the Halls.” A lifetime Chicagoan, she was active in local charities including Marie Adelaide, an Italian-American organization of which she became a third generation president, as well as recording for the sight-impaired at the Hadley School for the Blind. She was also actively involved in several theater organizations. A Patricia Stevens model, she appeared in numerous commercials and had roles on WGN TV and WGN radio. She was also featured in commercials for Mancuso Chevrolet, a longtime family-run Chicagoland auto dealership, owned by her husband of 55 years, James, who died in January, 2001. The family continues in the automobile business in Lake Forest. She is survived by sons, Richard (Shelly) and Robert (Gail); daughters, Linda and Laura (Bruce); four grandchildren, Adam, Cassie, Nicholas and Robert Jr.; and a sister, Carmelita Pope Wood. Visitation will be 5 to 6 p.m., Monday, April 22 at SS. Faith, Hope & Charity Church, 191 Linden St., Winnetka, followed by a Memorial Mass. Please direct donations to Northwestern University, Development Office, Feinberg School of Medicine, Room 1312, 710 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611-3078. Church phone: 847-446-7646
