Obituaries

David James Mancinie “All knowledge shapes our being, our life, our lives, the door is open and the other side beckons,” - D. Mancinie, Just outside of Spring Green, Mr. Dave Mancinie took his final breath, at home surrounded by love on August 25, 2021. His life ended quietly - as he wished - retaining deep dignity and conviction, in his home. He was a kind, intelligent, and thoughtful man. David James Mancinie, grew up in Racine and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1961. He attended Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in English education. His first job was with St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, but he transitioned to the River Valley School District family in 1973. And there, Mr. Mancinie became the pillar of eighth grade English for River Valley Middle School for 27 years. His knack to motivate the unmotivated was beyond any other. Mr. Man (as he was named by kids) was an advocate, a professional, and is remembered by all. In his years at River Valley, he served as junior high/middle school coach for basketball, football, and track. Dave authored promotion poems annually to send his eighth grade students off to high school. Dave Mancinie used all the hours in his days. He was always willing to help and kept busy with many projects, books, inspections, and concrete jobs, which was a trade he learned from his uncle, Speed Nees. Dave worked as hard out of the classroom as he did in class. Mr. Mancinie had an uncanny ability to add finesse to all things - whether it was a student, or a slab of concrete. Dave had an eye for design and worked to create a personal showcase, his Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home overlooking the rolling sand prairie in the Wisconsin River Valley. Growing up surrounded by family was all Dave knew. From his years in Racine to his years in River Valley, he enjoyed being surrounded by those he loved. His students, his colleagues, and his friends were considered family. He was more than willing to open his home and make his signature old-fashioneds (always accompanied with a bar napkin) and share a conversation. Dave is preceded in death by parents, Angelo and Mary Rose (Holler) Mancinie; his brother, Angelo Jay Mancinie. He is survived by his sister, Rosemary McBride; nieces and nephews, Kathleen and John McCain, Mary Margaret and David Bethke; his sister-in-law, Pat; nephews David and Darren Mancinie; as well as many great-nephews and great-great-nieces. Additionally, David James Mancinie is survived by his partner, Kathy Kinney and her family, Kyle, Chas Kinney and children Jude, Rowan and Elin Kinney, Kieran Kinney and Jen Schroeder, and Kevin, Kayla, and Karsen Gosh. A celebration of his life is being planned for family and friends on Saturday, September 11, from 2 to 5 p.m. at E5218 Jones Road in Spring Green (bar napkins and laughter are required). More than anything, David Mancinie would like you to raise your Old Fashioned glass and  give a nod to all things good. As most of his poems end, “As with all my friends, I wish you love and life.”  - Mr. Man. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com.  The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green is assisting the family with the arrangements.