Ralph Dominic Montera
August 11, 1915 ~ July 21, 2011
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Ralph Dominic Montera was born August 11, 1915, to parents Philip & Josephine Montera, and fulfilled his life on July 21, 2011. Ralph was a native to Pueblo, where he not only grew up, but where he successfully raised his family. As a boy Ralph grew to love the outdoors, while faithfully working on his grandfather's farm. Ralph was a proud graduate of Pueblo Central High School. Ralph spent the majority of his life in Pueblo, except for the few years he spent away from his hometown as he faithfully served his country in the US Army as a veteran of WWII. Ralph soon returned to Pueblo where he owned and operated Ralph's Neon & Electric for 16 years, until he retired in 1980 and passed the business down to his son, Charlie Montera, who continues to own and operate the family business. Ralph lived a very active life, especially in his latter years that was full of fishing, hunting, farming, family and friends. It was not uncommon to find Ralph either in his garden pulling weeds , fishing at Runyan Lake, visiting friends at Joe Tomato's, or selling produce at the farmer's market. Ralph was also constantly on the go as an active Member of IBEW Local #12 for 70 years, Charter Member of Sons of Italy of Pueblo, and Charter Member of Sons of Italy of Canon City (where he was the oldest living Member of all three groups). One of Ralph's greatest joys was going to Taylor Reservoir while fishing and just spending time with all of his family together. Ralph's greatest love was truly his family and his friends. Ralph will always be remembered by his family as a devoted and loving family man. Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Nettie Montera; daughter, Margaret 'Margie' Weisshaar; and sister, Catherine Shew. Ralph is survived by brothers, Pete (Rose) Montera and Carlo Montera; children Lucille (Larry) Haag, Edward Weisshaar, Phillip (Anne) Montera, Charlie (Terry) Montera, and Susan (Scott) Coleman. Ralph also had 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. A rosary service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2011, and a Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011, with Father Ben Bacino as celebrant and Rev. Jayme Montera officiating. Both services at St. Mary's Catholic Parish, 217 E. Mesa Ave. Military honors by Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team and burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that no flowers or food be sent and all donations be made to Sons of Italy Lodge #2738 or Sangre de Cristo Hospice, c/o Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. The family would like to say a special thank you to Chris Benfatti, Sangre de Cristo Hospice - (especially) Betty, Mary, Cyndra, and Dottie for your kindness and love, but especially Terry Montera who for the last three and a half years has displayed selfless devotion to the care of our father and grandfather. Thank you for your unconditional love! Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
So Sorry for your loss; Angelo and he will be reunited. Ralph planted the garden and Angelo loved to go pick from it. Our Prayers our with you
May all the fond memories comfort you.
The Patti Family
Charlie, Terry, and family….
I’m so sorry to hear of your great loss. I have always enjoyed seeing Ralph, whether it was when he would come in to Gorman Acctg, or when he was helping out at the Farmer’s Market. He will be sadly missed by many people. I was unable to attend the services, but really would have liked to express my sorrow in person. I miss you guys!
Love, Kathy McDowell (former Gorman Acctg employee)
We are so sorry to learn of you lose. I wish I was there for you, Terry, as you have always been there for me. Thinking and praying for you and your family. Susan and Fred Celeste
Such great memories of Ralph and my dad together sharing stories and laughing. He was a sweet man and I know a treasured father.
To The Montera Family, our deepest sympathy in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Charlie, Terry and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. May the Grace of God be with you and yours during this difficult time. Our prayers will be with you.
Charlie and Terry and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time of sadness. Your father lived a long and wonderful life, full of the love that only a family such as yours can share. May God bless all of you and the love you share.
to my wonderful friend, Ralph, I’ve always looked up to you and loved you like a father.you were so good to Don and me.
To Charlie and family: thank you for sharing your dad, he was a great man and will be missed
The Beckman Family
Ralph was such a loving, caring man. I know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Montera family; i know how hard it is to lose such a wonderful person from your family. Uncle Ralph was such an amazing man, and in times like these i realize how lucky we all are to be part of this family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.
Dear Pete, Carlo and Montera Families,
What a wonderful life for a great man. Always a smile and hello each time we met. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Cousin Rose
Montera Family: My condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather Ralph. I’m a friend of Marge and Ed and even met Grandpa Ralph during his visit to Texas. Your family is so blessed to have such great memories — do cherish everyone!
Charlie, Terry & Family
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph. You have lost a most wonderful and caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sherri Montera