Joseph John Montesano

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 23, 2015 at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for Joseph John Montesano, Jr., 84, who died peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, October 21, 2015. Reverend Chester Arceneaux, Pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church will be the Celebrant. Lectors will be Ashley Mautrin, Jamie Melancon and Christine Hargrove. Altar Servers will be Clay and Tony Montesano. Gift Bearers will be Lindsey Smith, Lauren Montesano and Claire Orgeron. Eucharistic Ministers will be Amanda Montesano and Stephanie Montesano. Entombment will be in the St. John Mausoleum. Survivors include one daughter, Susan Vincent and her husband, Ronnie; three sons, Joseph “Bubba” Montesano and his wife, Carla; Bruce Montesano and his wife, Stacy; William “Bill” Montesano and his wife, Michele; eleven grandsons, Thomas Orgeron and his wife, Michelle, Stephen Orgeron and his wife, Catherine, Nick Montesano and his wife, Rebecca, Andy, Mike, Tony, Clay, Matthew, Eric, Cody and Kyle Montesano, eight granddaughters, Claire Orgeron, Warrant Officer 2 Ashley Maturin US Army, Lindsey Smith and her husband, Matt, Jaimie Melancon and her husband, Jesse, Christine Hargrove and her husband, LCDR Trey Hargrove USNR, Amanda, Stephanie and Lauren Montesano and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, his wife and one daughter, Catherine Montesano Orgeron. “John” was the only son of Italian immigrant Joseph John Montesano, Sr. and Maria Annunciata Mignogna, born October 23, 1930, in Long Island, NY. He was raised in New York with his sisters Marie and Elizabeth until his teen years when his family moved to Gainsville, Florida, where they opened an Italian restaurant, “Sorentos”. There John learned to cook wonderful Italian dishes in accordance with his heritage. He attended the University of Florida in Gainsville, playing on the Freshman football team. On summer break, he met his future bride, Dorothy Mae Broussard, while vacationing in Galveston, Texas. They soon married and lived to celebrate 62 years together. John served in the US National Guard in the mid 1950’s receiving an honorable discharge as a Sargeant. His early work career included delivering dynamite to the docks in Fourchon, LA. In October, 1955, John began a six decade career as a State Farm Insurance agent. He most recently celebrated his 60th year with the company just two weeks ago. John was a servant to the community. When his own children were young, he’d go the St. Mary’s Orphanage, recruiting children to accompany him home where they’d spend the day swimming. John and his family would return at Christmas and Easter time to bring the orphans gifts. From 1967-71 John coached Beaver Club football. John was on the Inaugural City Council of Lafayette, serving as President. He was also a licensed contractor and commercial developer for over forty years. John was a member of the Optimist club for many years and also a Knight of Columbus. John was quite the competitor, travelling the globe as a result of being a top seller in his field. He often shared his success with his employees by including him in his travels. John will be remembered as a devoted husband to his wife, Dorothy. He took care of her some forty plus years when she was afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, taking her wherever he went, attending to her himself. If she could not be at his side at an outing, he’d stay home. John would often serenade Dorothy with tunes of Frank Sinatra, Mario Alonza, Placido Domingo, and other favorite Italian songs of his youth. His children are grateful to their dad for teaching them how to love their spouses. He is also credited with being a hard worker, teaching his children at a young age the value of work. Pallbearers will be Nick Montesano, Andy Montesano, Mike Montesano, Stephen Orgeron, Eric Montesano, Cody Montesano, Matthew Montesano and Kyle Montesano. Honorary Pallbearers are Dominic Pedulla, Matt Smith, Trey Hargrove and Jesse Melancon. The family request that visitation be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday evening at 6:00 PM in the funeral home. Visitation will continue on Friday, October 23, 2015 from 9:00 AM until time of service. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to John’s caregivers who cared for him most lovingly: Sandra, Janet, Kylee, Lottie and Brandi. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for Masses, or in honor of John’s military service to benefit local war heroes: www.MG2020.com or www.patrickwilliamson.org. Personal condolences may be sent to the Montesano family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Joseph John Montesano

October 23, 1930 - October 21, 2015