About
Thomas Mantia Obituary
Thomas Joseph Mantia, 65, passed away January 11, 2026. He was born on March 4, 1960, in Pittsburgh, PA. Tom spent his early years in Pittsburgh and moved to Jacksonville in 1972, staying there until attending college at Clemson University. He returned to Jacksonville and graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Business. He spent his career working in sales for Crouse-Hinds and was happy to retire at the end of 2025.
Tom was an avid sports enthusiast and talented athlete. He excelled at baseball, frisbee, golf, soccer, snow sports, and surfing. He passed on his love of sports to his children and his community. He was known as “Coach Tom” to the hundreds of kids he mentored in baseball, basketball, football, and softball.
His engineering mind fostered a lifelong love of tinkering, a passion he shared with his dad. His home and children’s homes are full of DIY projects and Tom Mantia engineered solutions. His projects ranged from cars, to woodwork, to artistry, and more. He showed his love through the things he built, created, and repaired for those he cared about.
Tom was a father of three and a Pappap to four. He loved nothing more than his grandchildren who were the light of his life. His favorite days were spent playing, creating, and laughing with his family. Of all the roles in his life, being Pappap was the one he cherished the most. He will be incredibly missed.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathleen; sons Michael (Sarah) and Aaron (Mimi); daughter Kristyn Davis (Alex); grandchildren Aidy, Owen, Walker, and Wyatt; father Thomas A. Mantia; sister Linda Connelly (Jim); brother David (Renee); as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother JoAnne.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
The Mantia Family will be celebrating Tom’s wonderful life with a casual happy hour at The Yards from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Drop in at any time for drinks and appetizers to share stories and raise a glass to a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s honor to one of the following charities:
Walk Off Charities - https://www.walkoffcharities.com/
Dreams Come True - https://dreamscometrue.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
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