Arnold R. Mantilia Sr.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Arnold R. Mantilia Sr. who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Arnold was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Arnold knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.       Arnold was born on August 16th, 1925 to proud parents, Luisa & Albert Mantilia. Arnold was raised in New Haven, Connecticut. Even as a youngster, Arnold learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.      As a young boy, Arnold was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Arnold was raised with three siblings. He had two sisters Laura and Emily and one brother, Albert. Arnold had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Arnold, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.      An objective and conscientious individual, Arnold reveled in the security of his family. On November 27th, 1948 Arnold exchanged wedding vows with Eva Di Benedetto at the St. Aidan's Catholic Church of New Haven, Connecticut. It was a beautiful communion and the two shared a deep love for one another. They were married for 61 years of bliss. One of Arnold’s most endearing qualities, besides his love for his family - was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.      Arnold was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Arnold would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised, yet in a gengle way which always let them know they were loved. Arnold was blessed with three children: two daughters, Robyn and Nicole; and one son, Arnold Jr. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Carrie, Brian and Steven, and three great-granchildren.      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Arnold was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Arnold was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Arnold upheld his standards. His primary occupation was in the automobile industry. He was owner of Mantilia Motors Ford in New Haven, Connecticut. Arnold was a great leader and team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”      Arnold was in the United States Navy. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the Sonarman 2nd class. Arnold saw action for World War II.      Being generous with his time and energy, Arnold liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Arnold was an active member of the the Elk's Club and President of The North Easern Navy League for over 20 years.       He is survived by his wife Eva, children; Nicole and Arnold, grandchildren, Carrie, Brian and Steven and 3 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held Friday, December 18th, 2-4 and 6-8pm with a 6:30 pm Prayer Service at Forest Lawn South Funeral Home, 2401 SW 64th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317. Funeral Mass Saturday, December 19th, 10:00 am at St. John The Baptist Church, 4595 Bayview Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens South, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.      All who knew him would agree that Arnold was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Arnold R. Mantilia Sr. did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person. Arnold will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.