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
The Rossetti Family says:
April 9, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers to family and friends.Uncle Richard will truely and dearly be missed. We love you and miss you.
Tyler Bailey says:
April 9, 2010
mann uncle rich it seems like jus yesterday that we were at papa’s bbq’in and you were makin me laugh like always! im ging to miss you so much and cant beleive you arent with us any more. i miss you so much and its only been a few days. i will never forget your smile and all of our long talks and the possitive advise you would give me. i cant even begin to count how many lives youve touched and how many smiles youve put on people faces. im sittin here at work writting this to you with tears fallin down my face but with a smile reminising on all the good time’s we had together. when im older i hope to become the man you were and have the smile you had. I LOVE YOU UNCLE RICH AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND WILL PRAY TO YOU EVERY NIGHT. REST IN PEACE UNCLE RICH AND KEEP A SPOT NEXT TO YOU IN HEVEN FO RME I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN SOME DAY I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
Areya Jaruonurai says:
April 10, 2010
Sharon
We can’t tell you how saddened. We were on hearing of Richard passing. My mom, Warin and my dauther told me Richard as a kind hearted. Please accept our deepest sympathy. God bless you and your family.
Thailand Family
Sanguan Wongthai
Suwat & Warin Wattanasiri
Seree & Anisara Jaruonurai
Deanna Ochoa says:
April 11, 2010
To My cousins Joey & Lisa im so deeply sorry for the loss of your dad he was such a fun and loving man. He Always had the biggest smile on his face everytime i saw him. Its gonna be hard but remember you guys have so many family members that love and support you. My Mom loved your dad so much ALL The Montanos were like brothers and sisters to her. It brings tears to my eyes remembering most of my moms happiest times were with her crazy cousins. You will truely be missed Uncle Richard love you.
Debbie Bower says:
April 11, 2010
My sweet Joey & Lisa….I watched you both grow up, and let me tell you…. You both have grown up to be AMAZING adults!! I am deeply sorry for your loss.The loss of anyone, is ALWAYS hard- However when it is a parent, it really hits home… We only have 1 mommy & 1 daddy,and your daddy was an extordinary man.I will have him in my heart forever.I always think of him everytime we are riding bikes down in Newport,and see all the different stores he used to let me help him stock on his Frito Lay routes in the summers for extra money. I Love you Richard.Make sure & party with my momma in Heaven. My love and prayers to everyone else who shared in this Fabulous mans life.Love Debaka Peb