Emil L. Mantini

Emil L. Mantini, M.D. 94 of Tampa , formally of DeLand, FL passed away August 16, 2023 in the Canterbury Tower Health Center with his wife by his side. He was a retired Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeon.
 Born in Morgantown, WV April 17, 1929 to Louis and Josephine Mantini.  He graduated from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 1958.He did a Fellowship in Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Minnesota and served as an Instructor, Division of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery at the University of Minnesota Hospitals. In 1967 was an Assistant Professor , division of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery  at the University of Florida Shands Hospital and Chief of Surgery Veterans Administration Hospital Gainesville to 1970. He then entered private practice in Gainesville, FL.He served as Medical Director, Pacemaker Diagnostic Clinic of America -January 1, 1972-September 1977. Critical Care Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville,FL November 1, 1976 to June 1977. Private Practice of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery, Bridgeport, West Virginia September 1977- and retired to Deland,FL in 1987.
Professional Societies: American College of Cardiology,Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, Society of Critical Care Medicine , Founding member of North American Society for Pacing and Electrophysiology  now the Heart Rhythm Society. He was the recipient of several awards for research and presented a number of papers at various professional society meetings. 
 He was married to Mary “Jane” Ayer for 66 years. They had three children: Elizabeth Budd (John) of O’Fallon, MO, Louis (Cyndy) of Lake City Florida and Franz (Julie Yonan), of Tampa, Fl., Five grand children and 5 great grand children.
Emil was an avid gardener, loved classical music,  a prolific reader and enjoyed traveling .He had the great pleasure of attending piano/chamber music concerts featuring his younger son Franz in the Tampa area for many years. Franz last played for Emil in his apartment on Father’s Day of 2023. Of course Emil offered his critique following the performance. 
Louis and Emil shared their  love of gardening and nature photos by Louis from his field work in northern Florida. Louis introduced  Emil to the iPad which provided him with many hours of enjoyment.
Elizabeth and Emil shared their passion for gardening and she was always seeking his guidance and expertise in her gardening and plant endeavors. 
Burial will be a private family service at the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery in Gainesville , FL . Date to be determined.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Canterbury Tower Health Center or the charity of your choice.