Obituary of Harry Mansmann

Harry Lee Mansmann, 59, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2014 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born on August 24, 1954 in Lawrenceville, NJ, Harry remained a life-long resident. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and continued his education at Urbana College of Ohio, Glassboro State College, and Rider University. Harry's career included 29 years in the Department of Transportation and Department of Community Affairs for the State of New Jersey. After retiring from the State, Harry served as a consultant, making significant contributions and providing guidance in all aspects of his work. For over 35 years, Harry also served as a respected tax advisor, preparing tax returns and providing financial direction for numerous clients. Married to Jane Bartaris on October 11, 1975 at the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, Harry and Jane shared 39 wonderful years together and celebrated their love and devotion each February in their beloved Jamaica. Harry loved adventure and traveled extensively. He and Jane celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary cruising the Greek Islands and the Mediterranean. A treasured vacation was his annual stay on Long Beach Island, building memories with his wife, children and grandchildren. Harry delighted in introducing his family to new experiences. At the same time, he took great delight in the simple pleasures of life. Harry and Jane frequently enjoyed drives along the Delaware River, exploring back roads and local sites, or taking spur-of- the-moment road trips to New England. Although a fiercely loyal Yankee fan, Harry was also quick to engage in friendly banter and lively debates with the supporters of opposing teams. As the sport seasons changed, Harry's focus would turn to the Giants. Truth be told, as much as he enjoyed professional sports, he took greater pleasure in watching his children play on Varsity teams at Lawrence High School. Harry was a member of the local Leibotschanner Quoits League where he shared laughs and good times with his brothers and close friends at their weekly matches. In more recent years, he introduced his grandchildren to the value of athletics, competition, good sportsmanship and team spirit. Harry's primary focus in life was his family. When asked of his greatest achievement, without hesitation, Harry would proudly admit that it was his children and his grandchildren. He worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities, guidance and fun for his family. Harry led by example and lived by the motto of "Work Hard. Play Hard." Harry was the consummate host, and he and Jane entertained often. He greeted everyone with a kind word and genuine smile, making everyone immediately feel at ease. Having grown up in the area, Harry introduced his friends to local specialties. He was proud of his heritage and often shared wonderful and humorous stories of his life here. Harry was a generous, kind and gentle man who will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had many friends and will be dearly missed. Harry is survived by his wife, Jane; his son and daughter-in-law Thomas John and Monika Mansmann; his daughter and son-in-law Kristin and Ben Petrick; and four grandchildren, Aniela and Olivia Mansmann and Harrison and James Petrick, all of Lawrenceville. He is also survived by his brothers and their spouses, Bill and Terrie Mansmann of Lawrenceville, Jack and Beth Mansmann of Boca Raton, Florida; his mother-in-law Dorothy Bartaris, of Lawrenceville; three sisters-in-law, Ruth and husband Jerry Hawthorne of Lawrenceville, Jill and husband Steve Matherson of Danville, California, Cathy Goldberg of San Pedro, California; his aunts Marilyn and husband John Ellis of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Justine Opaleski of Langhorne, Pennsylvania; and close family friend Steve Goldberg of Redondo Beach, California. Harry also leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Leah Mansmann, and his father-in-law Thomas Gustave Bartaris. There will be a private burial for immediate family. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Main Street (Route 206), Lawrenceville, NJ. An informal gathering of friends and family will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville 2688 Main Street (Route 206) Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 or to Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church Nursery School, Scholarship Fund Attn: Judy Gilbert 1039 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.