Obituary of Louis A. Mantone, Sr.

Louis A. Mantone, Sr., a lifelong Madison resident, died peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2020. He was 90.

Lou was born in Morristown on August 25, 1929 to the late Samuel and Emilia Mantone. He was raised in Madison in a loving family of six children- three boys and three girls. After graduating from Madison High School, Lou enlisted in the US Army and served his country from 1948 to 1953, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to his hometown and joined his father and brothers in business at their family owned Sinclair Service Station on Main Street in Madison.

Lou met the love of his life, Lareida “Rita” Mantone after his service in the Army. They settled in Madison after being married and raised their family. They were a beautiful couple that loved each other deeply right up to the end of their lives. 

Over the years, Lou and his brother Samuel “Jiggs” Mantone operated several service stations in Madison, among them, one located at 22 Prospect Street and 14 Kings Road. The brothers had well-known reputation for their unbelievable and honest customer service. Lou owned and operated his station, Lou’s Amoco on Kings Road from 1965 to the late 1980’s. Upon his retirement, Lou began his second career as a court security officer at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown. He became popular and well-liked by court staff and the public alike for his genuine, friendly nature.

Lou brought joy to many people’s lives and he made the world a better place one person at a time. He had a natural instinct for helping those in need and went out of his way to make sure that those less fortunate had what they needed. He will be deeply missed by many.  

On March 22, 2020, Lou was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lareida “Rita” Mantone. He was also predeceased by his dear son, Louis Mantone, Jr.; two brothers, Joseph Mantone & Samuel “Jiggs” Mantone; brother-in-laws, Brownee Esposito & Peter McLaughlin. Lou is survived by one daughter, Linda Mantone, his cherished grandson, Jacob Shaw. He is also survived by his three sisters, Nancy Esposito, Anna McLaughlin and Rae Slayden & her husband, Doug; his sisters-in-law, Frances Mantone & Joyce Mantone; nieces and nephews including, Nicole Waldron, Sandy Mantone (Nancy Mantone), Anne Marie Davies, Carol Anne Esposito, Nancy Jean Esposito, Pat Esposito, Peter McLaughlin (Sharon McLaughlin), Amelia McLaughlin, Debbie Strambi (Steve Strambi), Sharon Delgazio (Anthony Delgazio), Jerry Mantone (Bridget Mantone), Michael Mantone (Lynn Mantone), and Samuel Mantone (Teresa Mantone).

The visitation and funeral service for Lou will be held for a very small group of immediate family for the safety of all. The committal service may be viewed via Facebook Live from the Madison Memorial Home Facebook page on Monday, April 6, 2020 at 12:30PM. Entombment will be held at Holy Rood Mausoleum, Morristown. For notes of condolence to the family, please visit www.madisonmemorialhome.com

Charitable contributions may be made in Lou’s memory to Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris .

A Memorial Mass to celebrate the lives of Lou and Rita will be announced at a later date.