Joseph J. Mantineo

Joseph J. Mantineo, 93, a longtime resident of Whippany, passed away on December 10, 2025.
Joseph was born on December 14, 1931, in Newark, New Jersey, to Giuseppe and Maria Rosa Mantineo. He attended Elliot Street Grammar School and Barringer High School. Growing up in Newark, he formed a lifelong friendship with Bruno Buttona, a bond that remained important throughout his life.
In 1951, Joseph joined the United States Air Force, where he trained in A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) skills and flight engineering. He served during the Korean War in the Fifth Airborne and left the service as an Airman First Class.
In 1955, Joseph attended the Teterboro School of Aeronautics, further strengthening his technical expertise. On July 20, 1957, he married Kathleen Daly. They went on to raise three children together: Colleen, Joseph, and Thomas. In 1957, Joseph was hired by Mohawk Airlines in his hometown of Newark, beginning a long and influential career in aviation and labor representation.
During the Allegany–Mohawk merger, Joseph served as a representative of the International Association of Machinists (IAM), helping negotiate the Mohawk–Allegany Act, which protected employee seniority and rights during the transition. He went on to become the Assistant General Chairman of District Lodge 147 and later played a key role in the mergers involving PSA, US Airways, and Piedmont within District 141.
Joseph retired in 1996 after 39 years of service, but his dedication to the field continued. In 2002, he returned to US Airways as a member of the Board of Directors, representing mechanics and related employees.
A lifelong student of business administration, Joseph earned an associate degree in accounting and later pursued his bachelor's degree in business administration after retiring from the union.
Joseph was known for being hardworking, dedicated, social, and friendly. He made connections easily and deeply valued the people around him with loyalty and integrity. He enjoyed biking, walking, and staying active in his community. He was involved with the Italian American Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the VFW. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.
Joseph was predeceased by his 4 siblings John, Ann, Stella, and Helen. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Kathleen, as well as their 3 children: Colleen Mantineo; Joseph Jr. and Patricia Mantineo, and
their children- Augustus, Blase, Anastazia, and Bethaney; Thomas Mantineo, and his children- Justin and Drew.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Par-Troy Funeral Home in Parsippany, NJ, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Whippany, NJ. Interment will follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ. A repast will be held at Luigi's Italian Restaurant & Bar in East Hanover, NJ at 2:00 PM.
Due to limitations at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, if desired, the family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or the Knights of Columbus of Hanover Township, NJ, Council 6904.