David Frederick Mantz

David Frederick Mantz (aka: Dave, Roadman, Wizard of Waz) of Honey Brook, Pa (79) died on Thursday morning 6/25/2026. Dave will be deeply missed by his wife of 56 years, Norma Mantz; brother Clark Mantz; children Lorri Vanderlinden, Jason Mantz, Sarah Newlin; ten amazing grandchildren and a great-grandson. Dave will also be missed by many whom hechose to call family.

Dave was an active member of the local community, through his 48 years of service with Honey  Brook Presbyterian Church, and a vendor at Cricket’s Antiques and Garden Market for 11 years. He faithfully supported local yard sales, auctions, roadside stands and most importantly Girl Scout cookie sales. Always willing to lend a hand to someone in need, Dave was quick to share a ride in his truck, a listening ear over a cup of coffee, an encouraging word, or even a pocket full of gas money to someone headed for an adventure.

Born in New Tripoli PA, he was raised working on his grandmother’s potato farm. It was with her in those fields where lessons of hard work, patience, respect of nature, an understanding of resilience, and a deep love for potatoes was fostered. He carried those lessons to West Chester College where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Health and Physical Education. From there, he enjoyed 14 years as Beaver Creek Elementary School’s Phys Ed teacher. While at West Chester College, he was a gymnast and competed his way to National level in the side horse event. His love for gymnastics naturally led to coaching through many local gyms, until he eventually owned his own. Upon retirement from teaching and gymnastics, Dave expanded his hobby of wood working and began his trajectory of entrepreneurship as owner/CEO of Big Horn Trade Company, American Historical Productions and DaMa Enterprises. His businesses allowed unique travel experiences, intertwining with historical reenactments, Native American pow wows, craft shows, singer-songwriter events and genre festivals of various types including pirate, rodeo, faerie and steam punk.

A celebration of life and friends gathering will be hosted by the Honey Brook Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July, 18 2026. (4331 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook PA) Celebrations will begin at 11:00, immediately followed by a friends gathering where family will be available to greet. A private internment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dave’s memory to Honey Brook Presbyterian Church PO Box 276, Honey Brook PA 19344-0276.

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Goodbye to a truly great man. The knowledge and values you shared with me are a gift I will treasure forever.

~ Lisa Tolles Efinger
7/19/2026 7:49:04 AM

My sincere condolences Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time

~ Meryl rosner Merion Station, PA
7/6/2026 9:50:09 PM

We have only crossed paths a handful of times, but the magic you exuded was evident. Thank you for being a pillar in our community. Hail the traveler.

~ Cecilia B
7/5/2026 7:14:49 PM

David and I started first grade in Miss Snyder’s class, we graduated together from Northwestern Lehigh School. My family moved from New Tripoli to Honey Brook 5 months after graduation. At our 10th class reunion I found out David & Norma lived close to where my family had moved. We last saw each other at the Northwestern Lehigh all class reunion at New Tripoli Park last summer and celebrated our 60th reunion with others from our class. You will be missed by many David. Sympathy to Norma and the family.

~ Sharon Lando (nee Feinour) Stevens, PA
7/5/2026 6:46:06 PM

Who knew the wonderful Waz was a gymnast?!?! It just goes to show that there are many layers to people! Waz was one of my favorite vendors at Spoutwood. He always got his stuff in on time and never complained. People loved to visit his booth, not just for his wares, but because you could count on a good conversation and maybe a song. I guess all good things come to an end, including Spoutwood, and now, Waz. Happy trails! Shine on!!!!

~ Bibi Berkeley Springs, WV
7/4/2026 12:54:35 PM

My heartfelt sympathy to all of Dave's family. I will certainly miss him and his delightful stories from his past. He has been a kind person to me since my husband's passing and needless to say has always been. Blessings to all Dave's family.

~ Carole Johnson New Holland, Pennsylvania
7/4/2026 12:11:15 PM

First Tony and Now You my Old Friend, I am truly saddened to hear of this news. All my Love and Sympathies to Your family Rest In Peace my Old Rendezvous Brother..Till we meet again, Freddy Augello

~ Freddy somers pt, NJ
7/4/2026 10:49:07 AM

The death of Dave Mantz hit me hard. I have loved him and his family so much and have treasured Dave's humor, musical skill, willingness to quietly volunteer, appearances as Father Christmas, and woodworking skill. He was of critical support to my ministry. I grieve with the family, while also recognizing that he died doing the activities he loved, was deeply appreciated by his family and friends, and now is safe and out of distress. He is in light while we struggle with tears. With much love and prayer, Sam Massey

~ Sam Massey
7/3/2026 6:02:27 PM

Hail the traveler and Kubiando!

~ King Trolland
7/3/2026 11:52:47 AM

Hail the traveler!

~ King Trolland
7/3/2026 11:49:44 AM

Norma and family, I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I hope that Margaret and Frederick, and Sarah and Ruth, were all there to greet him on his arrival. Condolences to all of you as you navigate these difficult times.

~ Glenn Koch Walnut Creek, CA
7/2/2026 10:36:35 PM

Oh, my Waz, I will miss you! I can hear you talking to me, hear you singing the beautiful song your wrote for me after a night of wandering and walking at Pennsic. Your sweet, kind, soft voice will be there and always in my heart my good friend. As I arrived at Fairie Fest, the first thing I thought of was looking for you, sadly, you had already left us. You will always be my Wizard, my friend, always. We will meet again.

~ Anomie
7/2/2026 10:31:04 PM

condolences. met many years ago at the Beaver County Pa Maple Syrup Festival. we shared our passion of music & stories over the years. i appreciated our friendship. play a tune for Jesus.

~ jonny g New Brighton, PA
7/2/2026 9:52:36 PM

Oh Norma. I am so very sorry. I will always remember Dave being so kind to AJ and Courtney, giving them honey sticks or beef jerky at every rendezvous. I am so glad I got the chance to visit with you both recently. Hugs, prayers, and much love to you and your family.

~ Jenny Batista Shillington, PA
7/2/2026 8:51:52 PM

I first met Dave in grade school he was my gym teacher and I loved him the minute I saw him. He was handsome! He was also one of the best teachers I have had he was great with kids. Dave made school fun. Years went by and I met him again through family and it made my day. He will be missed terribly. But he is at rest with God singing to him forever. He was loved by all and always will be.life won’t be the same without him.????

~ Debbie Brady Downingtown, PA
7/2/2026 8:46:46 PM

Kubiando ?? til we meet again.

~ Holly Columbia, PA
7/2/2026 8:42:38 PM

Waz (AKA Dave) will be sorely missed. We spent many a night around the fire at Festivals with him and his stories and steel guitar. We will remember him and his incredible sense of humor and his talent.

~ River, Beryl, and all of Chaos Camp Chippewa Falls, WI
7/2/2026 8:10:56 PM

My memories of Dave go back almost 40 years. So many fun memories that I will always cherish. My heart goes out to Norma and his big family.

~ Barb Dailey Bowling Green, OH
7/2/2026 7:55:51 PM

His absence is heart breaking...his joyful presence irreplaceable...our loss is the Lord's gain...when the angels hear his guitar and song they will petition God for a stint on Earth...

~ Deborah Pieri
7/2/2026 7:42:02 PM

So very very sorry for your loss. My late husband Bill, Squirrel Feet" is waiting for him. Friend for many years. Please tell Norma how very sorry I am. I'm probably not very far behind him. May he rest in peace. Hugs to all the family.

~ Joanne Jones Aberdeen, South Dakota
7/2/2026 6:58:01 PM

I can't remember when I first met Dave. I know it was at a Rendezvous at Lancaster County Long Rifles. Then I saw him at Pow Wows and atamu other vouz, the EPR, Alafia and so many more. A man with a wealth of knowledge that he was willing to pass on. Never met a kinder soul then him. God speedy friend. Unable to make the services, as we will be in Colorado till the end of the month. Norma, when we get back Joe & I will stop by. Hugs and prayers to all his family and friends.

~ Ruth Py
7/2/2026 6:34:09 PM

So Sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I was just 6 or 7 years ago that Dave and I reconnected at a Rendezvous in Florida! First time that I ever attended and the first time in several years that he had been there. in no time flat it was like old home week sharing memories of events, places and people from days of yore. Once you were a friend of Dave you were always a friend of Dave. My condolences to Norma and the kids. I will speak kindly of him and count myself lucky to have known him.

~ Danny Fisher
7/2/2026 5:49:06 PM

Hail the traveler, he will never be forgotten. The most wonderful wizard he Waz. Hearts.

~ Alibaba Wellington, CO
7/2/2026 5:48:45 PM

My deepest condolences to the family.its been so long cence I met Dave I can't remember where.i use to buy leather from him and supplies.we always had fun at rondvous singing and playing instruments. I know he loved that Fairy crowd. He use to try talking me into going.he will definitely be missed by many.happy trails in heaven Dave...

~ Elizabeth Denehy
7/2/2026 5:45:46 PM

I will miss Roadman and his awnry sense of humor. A good man and a great musician, he will be missed by many. Godspeed my friend.

~ Rick Lawrence Coatesville, PA
7/2/2026 5:37:15 PM

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