Donate here in memory of Jose “Joe” Monge Montano, Sr.

Jose “Joe” Monge Montano Sr. passed on July 16, 2025, at 92, reunited with his wife of 60 years, Lori Montano.

Born in Infanta, Pangasinan, Philippines (PH), to Dalmacio Millora and Trinidad Monge Montano. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers Jaime, Gil, Jesus, and Renato Montano and by his son, Jose Monge Montano, Jr. In 1955 Joe enlisted in the United States Navy at Sangley Point, PH. Joe served aboard the USS Steinaker, DD-863, the USS Dupont, DD-941. Joe was assigned to the White House as a steward, serving President Lyndon B. Johnson. In the 1960’s, serving in the White House was an honor, especially as an immigrant. In 2006, a personal photograph of Joe and other U.S. Navy Filipino Americans serving at the White House was featured in the exhibition, “Singgalot: The Ties That Bind”, at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC). It highlights the Filipino Americans’ contribution in fields like military service, literature, sports, and healthcare.

Joe retired from the Navy in 1977 after 22 years of military service and continued at the Naval Supply Center as a civil servant until his retirement in 1995.

The family were parishioners at St. Pius X Catholic Church from 1970 to present. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, an usher, active in Boy Scouts, and a founding member of the Fil-Am Ministry. Drawing on his military culinary background, Joe supported the Santa Nino Novenas in the kitchen. Joe also had the honor of preparing the meals for Cardinal Jaimie Sin of the PH during his visit when he stayed at St. Pius.

Joe was active with the Filipino American Veterans of Hampton Roads. He participated in the dedication of the Virginia Historical Highway Marker honoring Filipino sailors in the U.S. Navy at the Philippine Cultural Center in VA Beach, 2022. Joe was a proud supporter of San Lorenzo Spiritual Center. He was a member of the United Ilocano Association of Tidewater and the Pangasinan Association of Virginia. He was an advocate of Filipino American grassroots organizations, the Philippine American Community of Tidewater (PACT). the Filipino American National Historical Society's (FANHS) Hampton Roads Chapter and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

Joe is survived by their children, Amelia “Amy”, Montano and her son Ryan, Benjamin Montano, his wife Loretta Lane-Montano and their son Noah. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joe stood by unwavering principles of respect, character, and honor – he built his life on these core values and instilled them in his children. Joe lived humbly, devoted to serving God, family, country, and community. Always the first to help, whether it was to grab a broom or support a neighbor in need. He valued punctuality, education, carrying your head high and standing tall. Joe loved to sing, as a young boy he sang in the church choir. He loved working in the yard from his vegetable garden to DIY projects with neighbors. (cutting down tall trees and building cement driveways)

Joe loved photography and was known in the community for capturing people’s smiles. He’d print photos at Walgreens, carefully label each set, and after Sunday Mass, he would find the people and personally present their photos to them.

Joe enjoyed a long and wonderful life for 92 years with Lori. Their bond was unbreakable, anchored in love and faith in the Lord, who provided them with the spiritual sustenance that kept them grounded and steadfast.

May their love story continue in everlasting peace reunited with their beloved son, Joe Montano, Jr.

A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. - Matthew 7:17-20 RSV

Visitation, August 14 & 15, 5-9 pm, Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 8464 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk, VA. On 8/15, 5:30 pm vigil, 6 pm Fil-Am Vet presentation and sharing time.

The Funeral Mass, Saturday, August 16 , 12 noon, St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7800 Halprin Dr, Norfolk.

Burial, Saturday, August 16, 3:30 pm, The Rite of Committal and the Military Honors Ceremony will be at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery, 3000 Church St, Norfolk. *Following the Mass of Resurrection and reception at St. Pius X Parish Hall.

The Mass recording will be available at:

https://www.youtube.com/@SPXNorfolkMedia

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s memory to St. Pius X Catholic School in Norfolk. https://givebutter.com/inMemJoeMontano

In Memory of Jose “Joe” Monge Montano, Sr.