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Gary Mantz Obituary
Gary A. Mantz, 64, of South Whiteoak Street, Kutztown, Berks County, died suddenly at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg Campus in Bethlehem, on Monday, September 19, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Renee L. Sassaman Mantz. Gary was born in Coaldale, PA. He was the son of Homer Mantz and Hazel (Gormley) Mantz-Carter. He was a 1965 graduate of Panther Valley High School and received his BA in English from Elizabethtown College graduating in 1969. He attended Temple University in Philadelphia for his post-graduate work. Gary was an Army veteran having served in the Vietnam War. He worked at the Reading Eagle and the Morning Call prior to becoming an insurance sales manager for Prudential Insurance in Reading and Bensalem, PA. Gary was a member of the former East Penn Kiwanis Club; a member of the Kutztown Democratic Club; past President of the Alumni Council of Elizabethtown College. He was an avid collector of political buttons and a runner who completed the Philadelphia Marathon. During his lifetime, he traveled to 45 states. Survivors: He is also survived by two daughters, Megan L., wife of David Pielmeier, of Westminster, MD and Lauren R. Mantz of West Chester, PA; three brothers, Robert Stoltz and his wife, Marie, of Lemoyne, PA, William Stoltz and his wife, Pat of Summit Hill, PA, and Barry Stoltz and his wife, Gail, of New York. Gary was a proud grandfather of Claire Pielmeier. He was predeceased by an infant son, David G. Mantz who died in 1986; and step-father, Bob Carter. Services: Funeral services for Gary will be on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA, officiated by, Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier. Friends may call on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church and again on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment is at Grand Army Cemetery, Summit Hill, PA. Contributions: Can be made in Garys name to The First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104 or Elizabethtown College, Development Office, 1 Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.Services for Gary are being handled by the Holmes-Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA.Online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Mantz
September 28, 2011
Sincere Sympathy to you and your family. I just came across a snapshot of us all at Skipper Smith's home a few years ago- happy memories!
Elvira Holmes Herring
Allen & Nancy Tate '69
September 27, 2011
Dear Renee and Family:
We were saddened to hear of Gary's sudden passing. He was a great classmate, dedicated to E-town as well as to his profession and family. As an English Major as well, I will always remember the classes we had together with Poe, Dwyer, Campbell, and others, as well as the good times in our dorm and on campus. I last saw Gary at our Homecoming Reunion and we relived some of those experiences. He was a great individual and his positive personality will be missed. Our thoughts are with you and the family.
Bronwyn Bauer
September 26, 2011
Dear Renee and family,
Jon, Gwynneth and I have just returned from Greenwood Lake where Missy Griffiths was visiting the cabin and told me about Gary. I was shocked and deeply saddened. Moving so far away from former classmates and family means you don't always keep in touch. I remember the day I met Gary on our American Legion trip to Gettysburg, I knew I liked him then. Then he married you and that was even better. You have gone through some very tough times together. Now you should rely on all your dear friends,family and faith for support and understanding. I know from the person he was that he will be dearly missed. Please accept our thoughts and condolences.
Bronwyn Tippett Bauer and family
Castle Rock, CO
September 24, 2011
Renee,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Fisher, PV 1966
Ed Noga
September 24, 2011
Dear Renee and Family,
We are so sad for the sudden loss of Gary and will miss our disciple from First Presbyterian Church. The services for Gary were done beautifully and brought both laughter and tears to everyone who attended. Gary was a great man and we are privileged to have known him.
Strength and peace to you all,
The Nogas
September 24, 2011
Gary was a great friend of mine since we met in kindergarten. We had many great times throughout our school years and into adulthood.
I remember that Gary always wanted to be a writer and reported to the paper our teams results while he was in junior high school. We spent hours studying for the college boards so we could both get into the college of our choice.
We were best men at each others wedding and maintained contact throughout the years.
He was very passionate in caring for others and very much enjoyed his last trip which took him to Little Rock where he visited the birthplace of integration.
I will miss him greatly.
Ed Vermillion SHHS '64 PVHS '65
Susan Elizabeth Krentz Mosher
September 23, 2011
The last time I talked with Gary was at one of our Alumni dinners, and we had a good time remembering how much fun we had in Dr. Dwyer's English classes. It is with great sadness to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lee Kleinsmith
September 23, 2011
Renee & girls when the rain falls it will be his feet running over the tennis courts,when the sun rays beam down it is his love touching your hearts, and when the dark skys fall upon you and the stars shine it is his eyes twinkling his love for you all. He is forever with you. Hugs to you all.
John & Kathy Yankovich, PV '65
September 23, 2011
Renee & Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Gary's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & yours.
Judy Gagliardi
September 23, 2011
Renee and family,
We are truly sorry for your sudden loss of such a very nice man. His kindness towards others and his willingness to help others is what we will always remember about him.
You have our deepest sympathy on your loss!
Judy and Ernie Gagliardi
Richard Kutz
September 22, 2011
Renee,
My deepest sorrows to you and your family. We grew up on the same street in Summit Hill and I have many great memories.Gary was a Gentle Giant, touching all of us. "How Great Thou Art".
Bernadette Schoch
September 22, 2011
Dear Renee and Family,
Please accept our condolences for your loss. Gary was a very special man who was passionate about his family and Elizabethtown College. We will miss him greatly. Sincerely,
Nancy McClarin
September 22, 2011
Renee & Family: Please accept my condolences at the passing of Gary.
My prayers are with you all.
Love, Nancy (Jones) McClarin
Bethlehem (formerly from Lansford)
Charles Hawk
September 22, 2011
A dear dear friend has been lost from my circle of TRUE FRIENDS. Gary and I spent many memorable times together. We often had lunch and would just chat. Usually the topice was God and Family. Gary loved His Saviour and family very much. He almost always would mention the good times He and his family enjoyed on the company(Prudential) outings. I was fortunate to have been with him and his family on many. I will miss Gary, a true God-fearing family man. May God Bless you during this time of sorrow and always!!
Robin Baldwin
September 22, 2011
It was with great sadness that I read of Gary's passing. He was a wonderful man who loved his family very much. I usually sat across from him at the annual Luncheon at the President's house for ET Alumni Council. It was always fun to hear his stories, and to catch up on news of his family.He was an inspiration to all of us on the Council - everything he suggested was for the love of the college.My prayera and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
September 22, 2011
Renee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Although we only met Gary and you two years ago,we have become "friends in Christ" at FPCA. We will definitely miss his warm and friendly participation in the Wed morning Retired Persons bible study group.
Blessings,
Elaine and Bob Martin
Sally Luckenbach (formerly Schaffer)
September 22, 2011
Condolences and prayers to loved ones Renee and children in your loss.
Peace be with you.
Allen Williams
September 22, 2011
I worked with Gary in the late 1980's and early 1990's at Prudential. I lost track of him over the years but I remember that he was always a good man and a friend. I am sorry to hear he passed on and my heart felt sympathy extends to the family. I'm sure he will be missed very much.
Ann and Bruce Wlazelek
September 22, 2011
So shocked and saddened to see this news. Condolences to Renee and family.
Jack Lewis
September 22, 2011
I worked with Gary in the newsroom at the old Evening Chronicle in the early 1980s. He was a very intelligent guy and, as I remember, an excellent tennis player. I later moved to Elizabethtown and recalled that Gary had graduated from Etown College. My sympathy to the family.
Elizabeth Romaine '02
September 22, 2011
The news of Gary's passing has come as a shock to me. Gary has always been kind and caring in the last 8 years I have known him as a member of the Elizabethtown College Alumni Council – a truly good man. Gary is the type of guy that would take the time to send a quick email just to say he was thinking about you, which he did to me on several occasions and it made me smile. He was such a neat guy, with his stories about his involvement in politics in the 60s to most recently campaigning for President Obama. I greatly admired his passion for his beliefs, and I appreciated his work with Elizabethtown College. He was genuinely interested in everyone’s lives and I was flattered when he would say I reminded him of his daughters, whom I knew he loved dearly. Gary was a great man, and I share in the sadness of his loss. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Carol/John Molotzak
September 22, 2011
We were shocked to hear about Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dale Bieber
September 21, 2011
Such a bright light of enthusiasm and talent. Wonderful years together at Etown. My condolences to his family in their loss
September 21, 2011
rest in peace fellow classmate ,pv class of 65 jack and sylvia kranchick
Kelly Jackson
September 21, 2011
I came to know Gary when I joined the Alumni Council at Etown. I was part of the council during his presidency. He embodied the Etown spirit, and was a dedicated alumni. My condolences to his family; whom he cherished, and always spoke highly of during our chats at the alumni house. My prayers are with you, and I share your sadness at the loss of a wonderful man.
Helen W. Ebersole
September 21, 2011
It was with great shock and SORROW when I read this morning Alumni Council email telling of Gary's passing. We were dear friends who shared so much regarding his service to E-town College.
We had special times walking together in the E-town Homecoming Parade, working together at graduation, Alumni Council Seniors Week activities and PRIDE meetings.
WE shared a LOT about Alumni Council.
Last year we sat together at the President's Dinner and had a WONDERFUL time, talking and sharing. I will mis s Gary DEARLY. HE was a wonderful family man and oh so devoted to his E-town College. My heart is VERY heavy.
Mark Clapper '96
September 21, 2011
Without question, Gary was, is and always will be one of the very truest of Blue Jays. Elizabethtown College is a better place because of his enthusiasm, dedication and service. The thoughts and prayers of Elizabethtown College, the Office of Alumni Relations, Alumni Council and Alumni Association are with you and your family.
Sincerest condolences,
Tom Hoffman
September 21, 2011
My thoughts are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. Gary was a friend through our years together at Etown.
Terry and Betsy Allison
September 21, 2011
We'll always remember the good times at Elizabethtown College, especially in Alumni Council. Gary was a true friend to both his alma mater as well as his classmates. We will miss him and cherish his memory. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Renee, and your family.
Emma Weaver
September 21, 2011
Renee,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gary was a great friend and classmate.
Nate & Nicole Harman
September 21, 2011
Lauren & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
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