Joseph Jr. LaMantia

LaMantia, Joseph Jr.
passed away peacefully December 16, 2015 at Hospice of the Valley Eckstein Center in Scottsdale, AZ surrounded by his loving family. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Vevah, along with his two sons, Joseph LaMantia III (Julie nee Gryp) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Thomas Christopher LaMantia (Colleen nee Smith) of Wheaton, IL. Joseph also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren Emily, Megan, Katherine, Thomas Jr., and Margaret. Joseph was born December 28, 1932 in Cleveland Ohio, eldest of three children to Joseph LaMantia and Rose LaMantia, who proceeded him in death. Surviving him is his sister Gloria LaMantia, and sister-in-law Almoth Robertson. Joseph was also the brother to deceased Ronald LaMantia (Lorna). Admired uncle of Ronald Jr., Frank, Monica, Marie, Dan, Jennifer, Julie and Ted. Much loved "Papa Joe" to his extended Gryp family, Ted, Tom and Patty, David M. and Tina, David L. and Meghann, Sarah, Austyn, and Julia. Treasured friend to many. Joseph a resident of Scottsdale for nearly 60 years, was very active in the early Scottsdale community; he was instrumental in the creation of the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. He attended San Francisco State University, served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S Laws destroyer during the Korean conflict, and retired a successful insurance business man. Besides his never ending love and devotion to Vevah and family, "Papa" was an avid reader and blogger of philosophy. Most importantly he was a kind, loving pillar of strength for his family. Memorial Funeral Mass will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday December 22 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Church 11300 N. 64th St. Scottsdale, Arizona 85254. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice of the Valley and Palliative Care 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix AZ 85014 602-530-6992.