Gerald Jerome “Jerry” Mantell, age 102, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, surrounded by family at Luther Crest in Allentown, PA.  He was born on May 11, 1923, in New York City, the son of the late Joseph and Ethel (Resnick) Mantell.

Jerry earned a BSc in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and his PhD in Organic Chemistry at New York University where he was awarded the first NYU DuPont Fellowship.  His distinguished career included dozens of US Patents and technical publications and he retired in 1986 as Director of R&D at Air Products & Chemicals.

In retirement, he remained active, enjoying handball, racquetball, tennis, and pickleball.  He also gave generously of his time to the community by organizing science & technology roundtables, serving as a public mediator at Common Ground, tutoring at the Adult Literacy Center, and co-founding the “Wise Guys” discussion group that met monthly in Allentown for over 25 years.

Above all, he was very proud and fiercely devoted to his large family which includes sons and daughters-in-law: Joseph & Nanette Mantell, of Bridgewater, NJ, Paul & Ann Mantell of Fort Myers, FL, David & Amy Mantell of Rochester, NY and Daniel & Marcia Mantell of Hanover, MA; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; sister Marion Waterston and niece Jennifer Wellman and her three children of Albuquerque, NM.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 76 years, Harriet Baylies Mantell, in September 2024.

Memorial Service:  A private burial was held at The Green Meadows at Fountain Hill Cemetery in Fountain Hill, PA. Funeral arrangements by the Sell-Herron Funeral Home Allentown, PA. www.Herronfuneralhomes.com

Contributions:  Planned Parenthood or a charity of your choice.