Usaf Col. John E. (Ret.) Mantei

USAF Col. (Ret.) John E. Mantei, age 81 of Fairborn, passed away Monday August 6, 2018 at the Miami Valley Hospital.  He was born November 28, 1936 in Menominee, MI, the son of the late Cyril and Stella (Nault) Mantei.  John was a member of the first graduating class of the Air Force Academy, Class of 1959.  He served his country in the US Air Force as a test pilot, an F106 pilot, and a pilot during Vietnam; an engineer; and as University of Michigan ROTC Commandant.  He retired at the rank of Colonel in 1985 after 26 years of service.  He was devoted to his family, a great dad, and was an active member of the Wright-Patterson AFB Catholic Community for many years.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Sue in 2013; brother, Patrick; sister, Judith; brothers-in-law, Bob Lippert and David and Mike Vanhaverbeke; sisters-in-law, Dorian, Barbara, and Joan; and nieces, Anna and Angela.  He is survived by his children, Terese (Martin) DeSimio, Michael (Amy) Mantei of Lebanon, Matthew (Judy) Mantei of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Patrick (Lea), Dominic (Lien), Zachary, Jacob, Caitlin, Mia, Elyse; sisters, Marie, Anne (Gerry), Sue (Ed); brothers, Leo, Tom (Pat), Bob (Rosanne), Bernie (Paula), Frank, Pete (Mary); sister-in-law, Joyce; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.  The family will receive friends on Sunday August 12, 2018 from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday August 13, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at the Prairies Chapel, 682 Chapel Lane, Wright-Patterson AFB, Father Donald Moss Celebrant.  Burial with military honors will follow at the Dayton National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Air Force Aid Society at  www.afas.org.