Obituary of Francis Joseph Montanaro

Frank J. Montanaro

ASHTABULA – Francis Joseph “Frank” Montanaro, 89, of Ashtabula died Friday, May 10, 2019 at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital.

He was born July 1, 1929 in Ashtabula, the son of Joseph and Edith (Church) Montanaro and had been a lifelong Ashtabula resident. A 1947 graduate of Ashtabula High School, he attended Ohio University before enlisting in the US Army where he served during the Korean Conflict.  During his military years, he was a proud member of the West Point Band.

Prior to his retirement, he worked as an insurance agent for Western and Southern and Knights of Columbus. A lifelong member of Our Lady of Peace Parish (St. Joseph Church), he taught music and band in the elementary parochial schools and gave private lessons to countless students in the community. 

Music was huge part of his life.  For 50 years, he served as an officer with the American Federation of Musicians.

He organized the Ashtabula Symphonic Band, coordinating and conducting their summer concert series at Kent State University Ashtabula Campus for many years. He performed in countless venues, from park concerts to Carnegie Hall and was a regular at the Packard Music Hall Band in Warren for over 25 years.  His 10 piece dance band, High Society, entertained countless audiences across northeast Ohio. 

His career was acknowledged with induction into the Ashtabula High School Hall of Fame, a moment of which he was very proud.

He is survived his daughters, Marie Ranier of Ashtabula, Jeanine (Tom) Gran of Okeechobee, Florida, Lisa (Michael) O’Connor of Avon Lake, and Cris (John) Rutz of Ashtabula. He is the cherished “Poppie” of his grandchildren Nicole and Anthony Ranier, Ryan (Cara) and Patrick O’Connor, Jordan and Jenna Rutz, and two great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Diane Glotzbecker of Ashtabula and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lleana (Zamboni) Montanaro; two brothers John and Joseph Montanaro; and his parents.

Calling hours will be 4-7PM Monday, May 13, 2019 at Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10AM Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Our Lady of Peace St. Joseph Church, 3330 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula with Rev. Raymond Thomas presiding. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ashtabula.

Contributions may be made to Interlochen Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 199 Interlochen, MI 49643.

Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com