“Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace, to a place where we’ll be safe.”
MONTAGNARO, Ernest, died on May 5, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old. He served in the U.S. NAVY for 27 years, with tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Biddle DLG-34 and earning countless good conduct and bronze service metals. He retired as a Senior Chief Personnelman. He is survived by his wife Mitzi (nee Lucariello), loving father to Laura Erwin (John), Joy Montagnaro, Helen Montagnaro, Albin Montagnaro (Michelle), Anthony Montagnaro (the late Maria) and Cindy McEachern (Frank). He was also loving grandfather to Vivian, Emma, Ginevra, Francesco, Mitzi, Robert, Leila, Ernest, Katerina, Marena, Francesca, Anthony, Marcello, Ava, Olivia and Claire and great grandfather to Lyla, Jack, Eliana, Lucas, Tessa, Gemma, Blaise, Anthony, Demi, Delainey, Arlo, Fox and Llewyn. He is the brother of the late Franca Montagnaro. He raised his family in Italy and Gibbsboro NJ. Upon retiring, he helped open and operate Montagnaro's Pizzeria restaurants. He loved cooking and greeting customers with a smile making you feel right at home. He enjoyed playing cards, crosswords puzzles and building model ships. Ernest was an avid reader, had an incredible wit, was fearless and was perpetually kind…a true gentleman.
Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation with family on Friday June 22, 10-11 am at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 27 Kresson Gibbsboro Road, Gibbsboro, NJ 08026. A Memorial Mass with full Naval Military Honors will be celebrated at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernest's memory to:
The Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 50008, Studio City, CA 91614. The Gary Sinise Foundation works to ensure the sacrifices of America's defenders and their families are never forgotten.
Or locally @ Voorhees Animal Orphanage: 419 Cooper Road, Voorhees NJ
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