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
Jeri Jacobsen says:
April 11, 2010
I mourn the loss of this man that I have known for 46 years of my life and is the father of my two beautiful children. I will always have a special love for him and will always have fond memories to keep in my heart. I am thankful we stayed parents and friends. It is hard to believe he is gone.
I hurt deeply for my children, they love him so much and will miss his stories and laughter. He was a great father.
My deepest sympathies to the entire Montano family, especially for Nana, he took such good care of her.
I hurt for my little grandson Michael, for he is now without a blood related grandfather.
Most of all I hurt for Sharon, she is a wonderful person and loves Richard with all her heart and soul. I am thankful for our friendship and the special bond we share. She will always be a part of my life and my family.
I am thankful that God took him so peacefully. Life is a gift and we have to live everyday as if it were our last.
Rest in Peace my dear Richard; I will see you in heaven someday.
Lou and Gloria Zabbia says:
April 11, 2010
With our deepest sympathy. May all the good memories of Richard bring you comfort.
Lou and Gloria Zabbia-Jeri’s cousins
Rita says:
April 11, 2010
I am remembering the time you came to see us and you brought you mommy to see my Bom, we laughed so hard and cried so hard too! We will always love you with all our hearts, for all our life. It is so very hard to say good-bye, so we will say “see you on the other side”!!! To all my beautiful wonderful family I keep you very close in my thoughts and prayers, God has blessed us to have had such a beautiful person as a part of our family and lifes.
Roger Zendejas says:
April 11, 2010
Sharon, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Richard was a great guy to work with and he sure did have some pretty good stories!! He will be missed.
Ruben Ochoa says:
April 11, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Sharon, the Montano family, and everyone who loved Richard. We will all miss him dearly. Can you imagine the greeting he got when he walked through those Pearly Gates, I know they had to be thrilled to see him and welcome him. I always pictured heaven as a quiet,peaceful,somber place, but now that Richard is there, I think it has changed forever. When its my turn to go up there i’ll have someone who loves meCharlotte and someone to make me laughRichard.Thats heaven!!God bless you all, and God bless Richard.