John Monticello, 95, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2022

surrounded by loved ones. John was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in

1927 to Anthony (Frank) Monticello and Rose Maria Monticello

(Pellerito) both of whom had arrived on Ellis Island from Palermo, Sicily

in 1920.

After graduating from South High School near VE DAY John served in the

US Navy at the Great Lakes Station on what he often referred to as the

USS Neversail. He subsequently began a long career as a skilled

pressman, retiring from Amway Corporation. He then worked at

AutoWares delivering auto parts for 20 years before finally devoting

himself to his favorite pastime; catching bluegills.

John was predeceased by the love of his life, Irene Monticello (Martin)

in 2012 after 63 years of marriage. Besides working hard every day

Irene and John enjoyed their wonderful friends and loving brothers and

sisters.

John was never one to sit around even as the years snuck up on him.

He loved to be with his kids and made sure he didn't miss an

opportunity to gather with the family even if it meant throwing his own

catered birthday party, complete with tux and a bow tie! Always ready

to travel he often flew to visit his son and his family in California, and

traveled with his kids whenever he was able, including the Rose Bowl in

2014 at 87 years young. When nothing else was going on he created his

own travel plans like taking the guys to Canada and Costa Rica fishing.

Throughout the years he participated in two poker groups and didn't let

his various maladies, including severe vision loss, interfere with the fun.

He raised the ante only two weeks before passing.

John was predeceased by his parents and his great granddaughter,

Harper Grace Heck, along with numerous siblings and in-laws. He is

survived by his children, Dale and Michelle Monticello of East Grand

Rapids, Frank and Caryl Monticello of Dewitt, MI., Thomas and Ellen

Monticello of Agoura Hills, CA., and Christine and Mark Bonnema of

Grand Rapids. John is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 8 great

grandchildren, his sister Mary Impellizzerri, and his sister-in-law Rose

Martin.

Viewing will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Zaagman Memorial

Chapel, 2800 Burton Street, Grand Rapids from 5 to 7 pm and on

Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Paul the Apostle Church,

2750 Burton Street, Grand Rapids, with services following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Calvin University Rare

Disease Research and Support, in Memory of Harper Grace Heck,

2/4/16 - 7/13/18.

John's children would like to express their thanks and appreciation for

the kind people and staff at Cascade Trails Senior Living and for his West

Michigan Hospice team.