John Montanaro Jr

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina- John “Monty” Montanaro Jr., 71, formerly of West Springfield entered into eternal life on May 6 2017 after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Ramponi) Montanaro. He served his country during the Vietnam Era, in the United States Coast Guard as an Engine Man Third Class and honored with The Medal of Defense. He later transferred to the Coast Guard Reserves. He was a member of the Auxiliary Police of Springfield. He retired as Crew Supervisor from Western Massachusetts Electric Company (now known as Eversource Utilities). John was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, served in Chapter #219 of Westfield. He leaves his loving wife of 39 years of marriage, Margaret “Peggy” (Santinello) Montanaro of Murrells Inlet, SC; a son, John, Montanaro, his wife Heather; and a grandson, Sonny of Falmouth, MA; a daughter , Stephanie Vitale-Brown, granddaughters, Gia and Sophia of Florida two sisters, Barbara Hansel, and Irene Wysocki, both of Springfield; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Gus Montanaro, a sister Rose Coughlin, and his twin sister, Sandra Kenyan.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM – 8:00PM on Thursday (May 25, 2017) in the Colonial Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 985 Main St., Agawam. A funeral home service will take place at 9:00 AM on Friday (May 26, 2017), followed by burial with military honor in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina for their compassion and support in John’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Please visit www.forastiere.com to share a personal message with the family.

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