Philip Joseph Mantoni, 77, passed away peacefully on Cape Cod, August 17, 2022, with his loving wife and son by his side. Born in Springfield on December 3, 1944, he was the son of the late Adelino & Mary V. (Barberis) Mantoni.
A 1962 Technical High School graduate, Phil furthered his education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at North Adams State College (MCLA), a Master’s Degree in Education at Springfield College, and C.A.G.S. in Administration at Westfield State College (WSU). During the thirty-four years that Phil was an educator in the Springfield School System, he taught at Washington School and in the E.C.O.S Program, was an Assistant Principal of the New North Community School (German Gerena Community School), and served as Principal of the Alfred G. Zanetti School and then the Alice B. Beal Elementary School.
For many years, Phil was active in the community as a member of the Springfield Parks Commission, including a term as Chairman, Springfield Municipal Planning Commission, Springfield Elementary Principals Association, the South End Community Center Board of Directors, and the Springfield Retirement Board.
An active member of the Springfield Chapter of Unico National, Phil was the Corresponding Secretary and volunteered on many committees; his contributions led to his being honored as the recipient of the chapter’s 2010 Distinguished Service Award.
Being a sports fan, Phil liked the Red Sox and Patriots, getting Sue interested in football such that they would spend their Sundays, in later years, watching football.
His deep love of nature continued throughout his life, and he took every opportunity to teach those with him about the environment. Having a great sense of humor, Phil was prone to telling jokes and puns.
Part of Phil’s daily routine was doing the crossword puzzle, watching Jeopardy (he was very good), and, for many years, meeting friends nightly at the E. Longmeadow Donut Dip for his tea and friendly conversation.
Summers were spent at their home on Cape Cod where Phil and his family could relax by the ocean, kayak on their pond, have a nightly cocktail on the deck, and enjoy life.
Phil had a good life, a wonderful marriage with his true love and partner in life, a great son who loves his parents and has been there for them particularly at difficult times, and a loving, caring extended family. He will be so missed but forever loved.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Diana Gilmore & Barbara Santaniello.
Philip is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Susan B. (Hartley) Mantoni, son, Christian Philip Mantoni & his wife Elena of South Boston, sister, Virginia White of Springfield, and several dear nieces & nephews.
Family and friends are invited to visit, Tuesday, August 23, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield. Philip’s funeral services will begin Wednesday, 9 a.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, proceeding to his 10 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at Holy Name Parish; burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.