Richard Anthony Montano
February 07, 1947 - April 05, 2010
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Richard Anthony Montano
February 07, 1947 - April 05, 2010
Obituary
Richard Anthony Montano was born in Los Angeles, California on February 7, 1947 to David and Alice. He was the 3rd of seven children. He attended St. Anthony’s grade school, and graduated from Gardena High School, where he played football and baseball.
On August 1, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army. After boot camp, he was deployed to Vietnam and was part of the 25th Infantry ‘Tropic Lightning’ Division. While there, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, and bravely led and protected many other soldiers. He was shot three times, and in return, received three Purple Heart medals. He also received the very honorable Bronze Star medal on July 22, 1969 for his acts of heroism. Finally, on July 31, 1969, after two brave years of service, he was honorably discharged, and was sent home.
About one year later, he married his first wife, Jeri, and on July 23, 1975, he became a proud father to his son, Joey. Then, just 13 short months later, on August 14, 1976, his daughter, Lisa, was born, and his life was complete.
In February 1990, he met his soul mate, Sharon, and was married on September 8th of the same year. They spent 19 wonderful years together. When they weren’t frequenting the local Indian Gaming establishments, they were jet setting to Las Vegas, New York, Hawaii, Alaska, and Acapulco. But, their most joyous times were spent with their loving families.
His most recent pleasure and joy came from spending time with his beautiful grandson, Michael Jett. Though they only had one short year together, Michael was the sparkle in his ‘Gampa’s’ eye, and he will always be ‘Gampa’s Boy.’
Richard will always be remembered for his gentle touch, his generous heart, his Homer Simpson-like stories, and his uncanny ability to put a smile on every and anyone’s face. He will always hold a place in the hearts of all who knew him.
70 responses to Richard Anthony Montano
Ekkapat Wattanasiri says:
April 13, 2010
Dear Montano family,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about your lossing. Richard is a very kind person who maked people laugh and smile. We’ll always thinking of him.Please accept our deepest sympathy. God bless you and your family.
Love
Wattanasiri & Wongthai family
georgia apodaca says:
April 13, 2010
To the Montano family
I am so sorry for the lost of your husband,father,brother and son. I send my love and sympathy to all of you. I knew Richard most of my early years in Gardena as his neighbor and friend. You all have such good things to remember as I do.
Your in my prayers
Georgia
GLORIA REFICE says:
April 13, 2010
DEAREST JOEY AND lISA.
THERE ARE NO WORDS TO SAY HOW PAINFULLY YOU BOTH ARE GOING THRU.THE LOSS OF YOU LOVING, HUMOROUS, GIVING, DAD IS GOING TO BE MISSED SO MUCH. THERE IS NOT A PERSON WHO EVER MET HIM, WHETHER THEY WERE STRANGERS OR FAMILY SINCE HE WAS A LITTLE GUY WHO WOULDN’T SAY I LOVE THAT GUY. WELL HERE ON EARTH AND NOW IN HEAVEN WITH OUR LORD AND SEEING OUR DAD AGAIN WAS A GRAND ENTERANCE.IT WILL TAKE YEARS FOR HIM TO STOP HUGGING EVERYONE, AND SAYING WHOSE THAT GUY? AND WITH THOSE DIMPLES SMILING HIM SAYING HI IM RICHARD, RICHARD MONTANO. MY BROTHER IS AT HOME IN PEACE. MAY HIS SOUL ALWAYS REST IN PEACE.I LOVE YOU MY DEAR BROTHER. SEE YOU SOON.
LOVE YOU SISTER GLORIA REFICE
Hiwot says:
April 13, 2010
sharon,
I am so sorry for your loss. my prayers go out to you and your family.God bless you
Lauren says:
April 13, 2010
Sharon-
All I keep thinking about is the stories you would tell us about you and Richard and how it was so evident how much you both loved eachother. There could be a million things going on at work, but whenver you would here “Mr. Montano” is on the phone for you, you would light up and smile.
I dont think you even realized how your whole demeanor changed when you picked up his phone calls.
Over the past year you could see the happiness in both of you when you brought Mikey in to visit us at the store. There was always non-stop laughter and so much love.
Richard ALWAYS had a smile on his face and was a part of our extended Target family.
I know I have told you this over and over again, but I hope you know we are here for you always.
Keep your “Sharon” humor going and know how much we love you.