Victor Carl Mantell III, 64, died at the Veterans Medical Center, West Palm Beach, on October 19, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mr. Mantell was born October 30, 1944 in Kalamazoo, Mich., and had been a resident of Vero Beach since 1995, coming from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Vic fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an United States Marine in October 1961, age 17, honorably discharged in 1968. A member of the 1st Marine div, VMA-225, he was one of the first Marines in Vietnam, for which he received numerous citations, medals and commendations, including a nomination for the Presidential Medal of Honor which he respectfully declined. As a civilian, Mantell Engineering was a leader in the commercial construction industry in the South Florida area, projects including Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami Bayside and the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center. His proudest accomplishment was his role as a husband to Karen; father to Corey, Daniel, Kaelin, Shay, Angie, Chip, and Jeannie; grandfather to 12, great-grandfather to 4. He is survived by his wife, children, parents, brothers, sister and friends. He is predeceased by his sister Susie. A memorial service with military honors will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 at the Riverside Gazebo, Vero Beach. Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.