John Mantzaris

John Mantzaris, 92, of Meriden, loving husband of Jean (Dighello) Mantzaris for 64 Years, passed away peacefully, February 1, 2025 at his home with family by his side. John was born in Meriden where he was a lifelong resident on May 30, 1932, a son of the late Manuel and Mary (Thanopoulos) Mantzaris. John entered the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War as a side gunner on a B-29 Superfortress. He was the last surviving member of his flight crew. After his discharge from the Air Force, John took advantage of the GI Bill to complete his education, obtaining a bachelor's degree in chemistry from CCSU and both a master's degree and a PhD in chemistry from Wesleyan University. He taught chemistry at Wesleyan and CCSU for many years, and was Chair of the CCSU Chemistry Department for a number of years. John was also involved in Meriden politics, serving on the Meriden Board of Education for over a decade, and was Board President for several years. John was an avid bike rider, completing trips to Massachusetts and Montreal with friends. He later took up sailing, and spent decades sailing the New York and New England coastline with family and friends. After retirement, John and Jean travelled the world, sailing and touring the British Virgin Islands, Greece, Italy and many other countries with a group of close friends. John was an opera enthusiast who regularly attended Metropolitan Opera performances with his wife. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and his friends. In addition to his wife, Jean, he is survived by his son, John Mantzaris and his wife, Ann, of Wallingford; his daughter, Mary Mantzaris of Meriden; his sister, Despina Deegan and her husband, Robert of Meriden; his brothers, Adam Mantzaris of Madison, and Christopher "Leo" Mantzaris and his wife, Marilyn of West Newbury, MA; his beloved grandchildren, Devin, Paige and Robert Mantzaris; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his childhood friend, Al Fordiani. He was predeceased by his brother, Louis Mantzaris, his sisters-in-law, Gail Mantzaris and Jean (Audisio) Mantzaris, and his lifelong friend, Mario Parisi. The family would like to thank Greg Konobeev for his help and companionship, HHC Hospice at Home, and the staff of HHC Independence at Home, especially Gloria, Sanaa, Ima and Boniface. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CCSU Foundation or the charity of your choice. John's family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 4 pm until 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, February 7, 2025 directly at Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford. Interment with Military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. To send flowers to the family of John, please visit our floral store.