Constantine J. “Connie” Mantini, 95, of Star City, passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
He was born July 3, 1926, in Treskow, Pa., a son of the late Eugene and Anna Mantini.
He came to Morgantown in 1942 when his parents started their business, Eugene’s Grocery on Brockway Avenue. In November of 1954, he married Elizabeth”Betty” Claudio, and they, together, took over his parents’ business and changed the name to Connie’s Grocery. He and his wife ran the business for 50 years before retiring in 1992.
Connie served his country in the U.S. Army in Germany on occupational duty and was assigned to Special Services for company USO shows as the featured accordionist.
In 1946, he started the Mantini Trio. Three years later, he added three additional musicians and together, with his brother, John, they became the Connie Mantini Orchestra. He played with the orchestra for 45 years, as well as the trio for 10 years. They played for weddings, graduations, private parties and single engagements. In 2012, he started an accordion club with area accordionists.
Connie was a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Star City.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth Claudio Mantini.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John Mantini; sister-in-law, Imogene Mantini; and his niece, Linda Christian.
Visitation will be at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Star City, from noon until the 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Jan. 8. Interment will follow in the East Oak Grove Cemetery.
All who attend are required to follow the St. Mary Church and the CDC COVID-19 guidelines and wear facial coverings.
Donations are suggested to St. Mary Church (Building Fund), 3346 University Ave. Morgantown, WV 26505.
Caring services are being provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home.
Condolences:
www.dering-henson.com
