W. Steven Mania

W. Steven Mania, a dedicated family man and esteemed environmental consultant, passed away on May 21, 2025, in Delaware Township, New Jersey, at the age of 65. Born on November 8, 1959, in Opole, Poland, Steven dedicated his life to both his family and his career, making a significant impact in the field of environmental consulting.

Steven proudly served as founder and President of Vertical Technologies Inc., an environmental consulting firm in Trenton, New Jersey. He was a tireless advocate for the City of Trenton, where he served on the board of the Downtown Association for many years. Over his 40 year career, Steve’s accomplishments were numerous, including a 10 year period overseeing environmental risk management during the cleanup and reconstruction of the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 disaster in New York City. His greatest professional joy lay in assembling and working with teams on challenging engagements where he felt the most good could be achieved. His meticulous nature and commitment to preserving the natural world were hallmarks of his professional life.

He was a proud graduate of Mercer County Community College and attended Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), where he studied Electrical Engineering. His educational background supported his extensive work in environmental consulting, where he applied his technical skills to make a difference.

Steven leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories, particularly those spent with his family. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children, taking joy in camping trips and assisting with their student projects. Some of his fondest travels included memorable trips to South Dakota, where he engaged with the rich culture of the Lakota Indian tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation, as well as a significant family trip to Italy for his daughter's wedding in 2023.

At home, Steven and his wife, Susan Marchitelli-Mania, created a welcoming atmosphere that was often filled with family and friends for holiday gatherings and casual events. He was an audiophile, known for designing multiple high-quality audio systems. His love for reading, particularly history and non-fiction novels, and his passion for cooking, especially sushi and homemade pasta dishes, added flavor to his life and those around him.

One of Steven's proudest accomplishments was designing and building his own home in Delaware Township, with the assistance of his good friend Aram Dadian. He took great pride in utilizing local contractors throughout the construction process and reusing materials from the trees on his property creatively. The outdoor landscape he designed not only surrounded his home but also reflected his deep love and respect for nature.

Steven is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, along with his children: Tessa Maria Mania and Samuel O'Reilly of Brooklyn, New York; Jonah Steven Mania of San Francisco, California; and Isabel Rose Mania of Stockton, New Jersey. He is also survived by his brother, Jeff Mania of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and his sister, Jeanette Drabiuk of Hamilton, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents, Wladyslaw (Walter) Mania and Marianna (Kawa) Mania.

Family and friends are invited to honor Steven's life at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street in Flemington, New Jersey. A visitation will be held on June 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service beginning at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Steven's name may be made to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Bamboo Brook, 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931 or by clicking the link below.

Steven’s life was marked by love, dedication, and passion. His contributions will surely be felt for years to come, both by those who knew him and through the impacts he made in the field of environmental consulting. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.