Joseph "Joe" Montalto's Obituary
On the morning of May 1, 2024 Joseph, “Joe” Montalto or “Dad” as everyone who loved him called him passed away in the presence of his son, Joe Montalto, Jr., and his daughter-in-lay, Cindy Montalto, at Haven Hospice at the E.T. York Center in Gainesville, Florida. Dad went to join Mom and the Angels a week before his 91st Birthday. He was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 1957, after obtaining his degree in Landscape Architecture and Ornamental Horticulture. Dad became one of the first Registered Landscape Architects in the State of Florida in 1966. Dad loved his profession and worked diligently with his son Joe to create the beautiful gardens of Magnolia Planation Bed and Breakfast Inn in downtown Gainesville. Dad completed his last landscape plan for a close friend from his hospice bed on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Dad’s passions outside of his chosen career included playing the mandolin, organ and piano and his home that he designed for Mom and lived in for almost 50 years. He also loved his 1966 Chevrolet Impala that Cindy and Joe gave him in 1994.
Dad moved to Gainesville, Florida in 2022, a year after Mom’s passing, to live independently in his own home next door to Cindy and Joe. He will be missed by all his neighbors, friends, and family. Dad is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Cindy, and Joe, of Gainesville, his daughter and son-in-law, Maria and Tom James, of Vero Beach, his daughter, Lorraine Montalto, and his grandchildren, Tom and Daniel James of Orlando, Heather and Brad Benson of Vero Beach, and Steven and Laura James of Las Vegas and his four great-grandchildren.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph "Joe"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph "Joe"?
Share a story where Joseph "Joe"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph "Joe" you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph "Joe" make you smile?