Walter F. Mantia, an 80-year-old man, passed away on June 14, 2019, at an adult family home located in Lakewood, Washington. His demise was attributed to natural causes. As the investigation into Mantia’s death unfolded, the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO) took charge of the situation. Mantia had a sister who was contacted as the next of kin. However, she expressed her financial inability to claim her brother's remains, highlighting a common issue faced by many families dealing with the death of a relative.
With no one to claim him, Walter F. Mantia's body was transferred to a rotation funeral home where he was cremated. Following the cremation, his ashes, known as cremains, were returned to the custody of the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. This is a standard procedure for unclaimed individuals, aiming to ensure that the remains are handled respectfully while alternative plans are developed to provide a dignified resting place.
In an effort to honor Walter F. Mantia's legacy, it was discovered that he was a veteran, making him eligible for burial at a National Cemetery. This status provided an opportunity to ensure a dignified and respectful final tribute. The PCMEO took the necessary steps to have Mantia’s cremains released to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which would oversee his burial at the National Cemetery. This course of action ensures that Mantia's service to the country is recognized and that he is laid to rest in a place befitting a veteran.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, remains responsible for overseeing such unclaimed cases. Their contact number is 253-798-6494, and they operate as a critical agency in handling cases where deceased individuals remain unclaimed, ensuring that those who pass on, like Walter F. Mantia, are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their personal circumstances at the time of death. Mantia’s case, identified by Agency Case Number 19-1205, underscores the importance of agencies like PCMEO in bridging the gap between unclaimed decedents and a respectful final resting place.
Date Found: 06/14/2019
