Mr. Ralph M. Mantell, Jr., age 64, of Herkimer, beloved husband of Chandra Mantell passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, May 21, 2003 in Little Falls Hospital. Ralph was born on September 28, 1938 in Little Falls a son of the late Ralph M. Mantello, Sr. and the former Clare (Sanzo) who resides in Herkimer. He was raised and educated in Herkimer. Ralph joined in marriage with the former Chandra Carr on August 29, 1958. The couple enjoyed several blessed years of marriage. Ralph proudly served his country with the United States Navy. He retired from Goodrich, formerly TRW Aeronautical Systems in Rome on March 31, 2003. He was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer. He was a member of the Herkimer American Legion and a past member of the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club. Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He leaves his mother Clare of Herkimer, his wife Chandra of Herkimer, three children, Linda Shepard of Marcellus, Michigan, Susan Black and husband Charles of Columbia S.C. and R. Michael Mantell and wife Janet of North Carolina, one sister, Mary Jennifer Eaton of Gloversville, six grandchildren, Charlie Black, Mary Chandler Black, Jenna Mantell, Mark Sheperd, Michael and John Sheperd, one aunt, Agnes Chizzonite of Herkimer and many cousins. The family invites relatives and friends to pay their respects at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Friday, May 23, 2003 from 5- 8 p.m. Ralph's funeral will commence at 9:30 am from the chapel of the funeral home on Saturday, May 24 where prayer will be offered, thence to St. Francis de Sales Church, Bellinger St., Herkimer where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor at 10 am. Funeral procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer where Ralph will be laid to rest. Kindly consider contributions in honor of Ralph to St. Francis de Sales Building Fund or to the American Heart Association; envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family would like to express their gratitude to Judy Burke and family for her compassion shown.