Robert Taitt Mantell Sr. 90, of Kennett Square, died Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester. He was the husband of the late Alice M. Ohlfs  Mantell, who died in 2015, and with whom he shared  60 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, in 1928, he was the only child of the late Raymond A. Mantell and the late Anne Taitt Mantell.

He joined the Army but later joined the Air Force Reserves and retired after 20 years of service as a major.

Robert Studied at Lehigh University and joined the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity. He graduated in 1952.

Following college, he began work at Scott Paper Company where he met Alice Ohlfs.

Robert and Alice were married in 1955. The two had three children, Robert (1957), John (1959) and James (1960).

Robert enjoyed going to his uncle's house on the Sassafras River with friends and family; where he developed a love for the Chesapeake Bay.

In the early 1990s, he realized his dream of having a home on the river. He bought a cottage at Hack's Point off the Bohemia River in Maryland. He was a member of various boating organizations including the Power Squadron Boating Club and was passionate about boating.

Alice and Robert got their real estate licenses and began a career shift in their mid-50s.

Robert loved traveling with his wife, utilizing plane rides from the Air Force as well as going on cruises.

Robert was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. He was also an active member of the Kennett Senior Center and enjoyed going to their social events, and the Chadds Ford Historical Society.

Robert enjoyed meeting daily with his friends in the Kennett Koffee Klatch. He would spend his mornings with the Koffee Klatch and/or at daily prayer meetings and then go home and sit by his picture window. He enjoyed watching the seasons change through the window in his Kennett Square home.

He was a former Pennsbury Township supervisor.

Robert had a love of philanthropy – he donated to many foundations but particularly religious and nature conservation groups. He also loved animals and had many family pets.

Robert really loved children, especially being with his great-granddaughters.

Robert was predeceased by his son, John R. Mantell in 1987.

Robert is survived by his two sons, Robert T. Mantell Jr. and his wife Kathleen of New London, and James F. Mantell along with his wife, Annie of Morton; four grandchildren and two-great grandchildren.

You are invited to visit with Robert’s family and friends on Friday, Dec. 14, from 10 to 11a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S Broad St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. Services for Robert will begin at 11. Interment will take place at Union Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be mailed to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Attn: Membership Department, 6 Herndon Avenue , Annapolis, MD 21403.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com

Arrangements by Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home