Roger J. Mantese, Sr.

Roger J. Mantese, Sr. was born September 18, 1921. After 95 fantastic, happy years, living a love filled life, our God-fearing father went to be with the Lord February 1, 2017. Roger was one of eight children born to Santo G Mantese & Mary D (Tavone) Mantese. He was born on the dining room floor in the home he resided in his entire life. He attended the Montfort School and completed the 8th grade. He quit school so he could work to support his Mother and sisters as all of his older brothers had been drafted to WWII. He was born a farmer and farmed his entire life. He continued to farm into his 80s raising beef cattle and alfalfa primarily. Roger was a very hard working man. His first jobs were farming, dump truck driver, auxiliary Spokane County Sheriff until landing a job at Kaiser Mead. He worked at Kaiser until he retired in 1982. He married the love of his life Dolores (Collett) Mantese September 29, 1951. Together they raised 7 children. Diana Mantese Tutt (Jonathan); Debbie Mantese Baril (Eugene); Roger J. Mantese, Jr.; Teresa Mantese (Sandra Moreland); Antoinette Mantese; David Mantese (Jennean); and Vanessa Mantese Gilbert (Joseph). Roger is also survived by one sister, Ida Wells. What a wonderful grandfather he was. He loved every single baby born into the family and it was one of his greatest joys. He had many as there are 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Roger was so loved by his family that he was the “Best Man” at his Grandson David’s wedding. He was ever the life of the party. Roger and Dolores (Dee) were members of the Eagles and danced twice a week for many years. Roger was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Colbert, and in his younger years was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a devout Catholic and was proud of his Italian heritage. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Michael Mantese, Victor Mantese, Tony Mantese, Mamie Julian, Lucy Mantese, and Esther Scarpelli, and his Grandsons Lowell Baril and Joseph Mantese. Roger will be remembered for his sweet nature, quick wit and love of family and God. Memorial service will be held February 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Colbert, WA. Rest well Paisano, until we meet again, just beyond the moon.