1942
2020
MANTIA, Richard Richard passed away at 3:30 am on May 18 at Kettering Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born on September 2, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY to Charles and Anne Mantia. Richard was a gifted fine artist and an accomplished athlete who attended New Utrecht High School and the Art Students League in NYC. He graduated from Western Kentucky University (BFA) and Pratt Institute (MFA). He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Maggie, as well as his 2 sons Christopher (Wendy) Mantia of Memphis, TN and Jay Gorham of Minneapolis, MN; and 6 grandchildren Will, Luke and Ben Gorham, Hadley and Mackenna Mantia and Ruby Greenlaw; his sister Renée (Zeke) Sardelli of Mooresville, NC and his brother-in-law Kenneth (Sarah) Petrilla of Ross, CA; adoring nieces and nephews; his faithful dog, Oliver; and a legion of friends from all over the world.including in his beloved St. Remy-de-Provence, France. Richard was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the 49'ers and Moraine Country Club. In addition to being an outstanding husband, father and GrandRichard, he was a true gentleman in the purest sense of the word. "When he shall die, cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun." -William Shakespeare Due to Covid-19, there will be an immediate private family service followed by a memorial celebration of life in the fall. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Muse Machine or K-12 Gallery. Our hearts are forever broken. Glickler Funeral Home handling arrangements.
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Mr. Mantia came to Westport HS in Jefferson County (Louisville) KY in Fall of 1967, my Junior year. I always took Art as an elective because I enjoyed it and Mr. Mantia's classes were so creatively interesting. He was exciting and interesting because he was from NYC and so "different" than most of the teachers who were born & raised in Jefferson County or nearby counties. He had gone to WKU and that is where I went in 1969 and graduated in 1973. It turns out he had been a good friend of my mentor, Robert J. Wurster. I was at his home in Bowling Green and saw a "people pod" and immediately knew Mr. Mantia had made it--and that is how we both figured out we both knew him ! He was the kind of person you never forgot. I am 71 now and I know he had to have been 24 or 25 when I was just 16 or 17. So I was not surprised to see his obituary when I went looking today. I am so sorry. My birthday is May 19th and so he died just before my birthday when I turned 69 in 2020. I am so sorry for all your relatives who lost this wonderful man. I am glad he was able to live a good long life doing his Art in Dayton. He changed the lives of so many of his students at Westport HS and caused us to have to think and explore. I remember his Art History classes too. He always had something new in his classroom and kids who were not even in his art classes were welcome to drop in. Everyone wanted him for Art. He made a lasting impression on so many of our lives who went to Westport HS which is now a middle school in JCPS in Louisville Metro. I am sorry for your loss.
Angela M Gott (Angel) in San Rafael CA Marin County
June 8, 2022
Dear Maggie,
For some reason, today, I was drawn to go online and check out Richards' artwork. I always admired his work and thought he was an incredibly talented artist. Unfortunately, I saw this, and my heart sank. I can't tell you how sorry I am about losing Richard last year. Both of you were very special to us. We enjoyed seeing you when we came down to visit Tom Wick, and we always had so much fun. Do you remember going to the Kentucky derby together? Well, at least Tom and Richard can have some good laughs together now.
I hope you are doing well. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear from you.
Sending love. Anne
Anne Maurice
October 16, 2021
To Richard´s family: I am sorry for your loss and I am shocked to hear of Richard´s passing. He was a good friend and fellow artist. We attended Western Kentucky University where we met and often challenged each other in our art. We both taught at Westport High School after college. He was inspiring and full of life and energy. We lost contact later but I still thought of him from time to time. I am sorry he is gone.
Carolyn Alston Thomas
School
September 6, 2021
In 1968, Mr. Mantia was the most popular teacher at Westport Road High School in Louisville KY. He certainly was the “spiritual leader” to all of us oddball kids in Art Class. I was so happy to reconnect with him over social media when I returned to Art School in the fall of 2019. Still so supportive in the quest of the better artist. Mr. Mantia, so joyful and talented! Thankful that our lives crossed paths again.
Holly Patton Shull
Student
October 5, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
David. Higham
Friend
June 8, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We are blessed to be touched by Richard, he was a gift that brightened so many lives. Eternal rest grant unto him. Love to you Maggie and family
Regan and Jim
Friend
May 30, 2020
Remembered Richard by being a friend of Jay. Always will remember a Lawn Party he had in 1981 ('82?). We helped with serving the guests and the morning after we showed up to clean up. Very little cleaning, but great conversation over breakfast. Even though I only knew him remotely, I was so impressed by his gentle nature and humbleness. The word "Class" comes to mind. God Bless you and your family from that ugly red headed friend of Jay's
PATRICK Smith
May 21, 2020
Dearest Maggie,
With energy, enthusiasm, and creativity, Richard made life less stressful and more joyful for lots of people, especially us.
Deepest condolences.
Karen and Conrad
Karen Perry
May 21, 2020
Jim and I send our sincere sympathies.....we remember Richard so well....his artistic talent and his kind and compassionate nature were always apparent....we are truly sorry.
Susan & Jim Clift
May 21, 2020
What a fine man he was. We shared many a fun give-and-take during the numerous contracting assignments performed at his home. His creativity and taste were evident in the house where he resided, and in the way he carried himself. He was a fun fellow to be around.
My sincere condolences.
Randall Borgert.
May 20, 2020
Condolences to the whole family... so sad to hear this news. Thinking about all of you!
Sandie Hulet
May 20, 2020
My Dear Maggie,
I have had a heart ache since hearing about Richard a little while ago. What a special couple you two were...always complimenting and enhancing each other's talents and personalities.
Richard was truly unique...a simple uncomplicated man with a beautiful heart and a humility that was rare in a man of his talent. There was a streak of decency in Richard that went all the way through him and everyone who met him saw it and spoke of it. He will be greatly missed. My deep condolences for your loss...God bless him and may he rest in peace.
Karen O'Grady
May 20, 2020
Richard Mantia...one classy guy, one great friend, one terrific artist, one beautiful human being. They don't come any better.
Malcolm MacLeod
May 20, 2020
Richard, was a dear friend, a great artist, a great cook, and a kind and lovely man. God bless him and his precious wife, Maggie.
Shirley
Friend
May 20, 2020
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