Richard P. Mantini

     Richard P. Mantini, 69, of Amherst died unexpectedly Saturday, March 17, 2007, at Community Health Partner's Regional Health Center in Lorain.

     Mr. Mantini was born on November 30, 1937 in Lorain and lived there until moving to Amherst in 1974. He was a graduate of  Lorain High School Class of 1956A. He served on the Class of 1956 reunion Committee. He attended Baldwin Wallace College, majoring in business. He was a US Army veteran. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church-Amherst.

     He was co-owner and president of Kohlmyer Industrial Supply from 1966 until 1999. He was then manager of Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst Township until his retirement in 2006. Mr. Mantini also owned interest in Annzio Enterprises, Kohlmyer Sporting Goods, Sport-N-Stuff and Angelo's Pizza.

     Mr. Mantini joined the Lorain Rotary Club in 1968 and served as president from 1986-1987. He was also on the board of Directors for 4 terms and was currently Board Member Emeritus. He bowled with the Rotary Club's team in the Service Bowling League at Rebman's Recreational Center.

     He served as district chairperson for the Boy Scouts of America, Firelands Council. He had been a member of the St. Joseph Hospital Board of Directors. He was a member of the I.A.V. Post 1, Lorain Knights of Columbus, Industrial Distributors Association Of Ohio, serving a term as treasurer, Lorain City Schools Adopt a School Program-Lowell School, Home Builder's Association of Lorain County, the Friday Night "Prayer Group" and the Tuesday Morning "Romeo's." He sponsored many sports teams in baseball, softball and bowling.

     Mr. Mantini was a "behind the scenes" supporter of many philanthropic endeavors and groups.

     He is survived by his wife of 43 years JoAnn (nee DelBoccio) Mantini, daughter Karee Mantini of Avon, a brother Ron Mantini of Lorain and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Mr. Mantini is preceded in death by his parents Orazio and Anna (nee Ortenzi) Mantini and a brother Larry Mantini.

     Friends may call on Tuesday evening, March 20, 2007, from 4-8 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church-Amherst, 200 St. Joseph Dr, Amherst, Ohio  44001.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church-Amherst with Rev. Lawrence Martello, pastor, officiating.

     Burial will be private.

     The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Lorain Rotary Memorial Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Lorain County, 1865 North Ridge Road, Suite A, Lorain, Ohio 44055.

     Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio is handling the arrangements.

Condolences

From:     John S. & Carol Terhes/Salem, OR
Relation: Friend
 

Rich!
You can't do this to me...you can't do this to all of us.  Not on St. Patrick's Day...not on any day.  You are supposed to go on forever.  You are the rock. You are the dependable one.  There is just too much I have to say to you.  Now I have to speak to you through my mind.  You are there, you know.  Sure, especially in my heart as well. I am glad I sent you that get-well card and wrote what I was thinking about.  What else could I do?

I know: I love your wry wit; I love your laugh and your smile. I love your dependability; I love your honesty.  Oh yes, I love your wine and your generosity.  I loved the get-together party you and JoAnn had for me and that the both of you showed for Waldeckis' luncheon. It was like old times. I love that you took Karl under your wing; I love your benevolence. I guess what I am trying to tell you is that I love as much as a distant friend can.

I am glad that you told me to call you "Rich."  Your family and friends are also rich.  God Bless you, Kid, I am privileged to know you--even though the time is too short.  I am going out to the yard and plant some things, but I will be thinking about you and already have shed some tears.

God Bless you, Rich, thanks for never being anything but yourself. Your family and other friends are proud of you. Thanks for the memories.

    
From:     Jason Derifaj
Relation: Family

The photo is accurate, for that is how I've always thought of Richard - Smiling.  You were a great man, and I will always remember you.
 

From:     Sister Jeanne Marie Glorioso, H.M.
Relation: Friend

Dear JoAnn and Family, my prayer group "The Church Ladies"and I extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to you during this difficult time.  May God embrace you with His gentle love and peace. The love you have for Richard will never die but live on in your life and hearts forever.


From:     Cheryl Puza
Relation: Friend

Dear JoAnn I'm so sorry for your loss, I cant even imagine what you are going through. I'm sorry I could not make it to the church to see you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,

Cheryl Puza

From:     Dave Beko
Relation: Friend
 

I am terribly sorry to hear of Mr. Mantini's passing. He was a kind and generous man. Mr. M. gave me my first job and I will always be thankful for the way he looked after my mother, Kathy, after my step-father Mike's passing. He was a great friend and neighbor. He will be deeply missed.

From:     Willard & Marge Merrill
Relation: Friend

Richard was truly one of the good guys.  In this time of sorrow may you find peace and strength in the presence of God's love. 
 

From:     Kathy Whitmore
Relation: Friend

He was one of the good guys and will be sorely missed!!


From:     John & Renee Szefcyk
Relation: St. Joseph Parish - Amherst

Dearest Family,

May God bring you peace and strength during this time, now that Rich is safely home.

You are all in our prayers.


From:     Carolyn (Kozopas) Griehm
Relation: Friend

Dear JoAnn and Kari:
I don't know if you remember me or not.  When I was 18 years old Dick gave me my first real job right out of high school--I was his secretary back in the 1970's and worked for him for 6 years.  He was a great boss to work for and a wonderful person--so kind and thoughtful, as were both of you.  I will always remember him with very fond thoughts.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.


Carolyn Griehm