Obituary of Charles Mantia

Charles Mantia, 84, of Ballston Lake, passed away in his home on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, less than a week from his 85^th birthday.

He was the son of the late Charles and Ann Mascari Mantia of Quincy, MA. Charles was a graduate of North Quincy High School, class of 1954. Charles earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University and Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University.

He was employed at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna, NY for 35 years.

He was married to his late wife Nancy for over 43 years. Charles worked on the heat shields for every Apollo crewed mission from 1968 to 1972. If you watched the movie “Apollo 13”, the heat shield was the key for them returning home, which they did.

Charles coached Jonesville/Clifton Park youth baseball for 20 years, taking several championship teams to out of state tournaments.

He was a huge Boston sports fan – Red Sox, Patriots, and especially the Celtics. He watched Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain play several times live against each other. He enjoyed family vacations to Rehoboth Beach and Cape Cod and would travel each Spring with his wife Nancy to see the Red Sox in Spring Training.

Devoted father of Kenneth (Mary Beth) Mantia of Saratoga Springs, Steven and Eric Mantia, both of Ballston Lake, brother of Joyce (Ed) and Rose of MA, cherished grandfather of Jonathan, Cameron and Daniel, also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Interment will be held in Jonesville Cemetery on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 10:00 A.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kitten Angels, 223 Houseman St., Mayfield, NY 12117.

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