Frank J Montoya

October 16, 1929 – December 17, 2016

Frank John Montoya, 87, was born October 16, 1929 in Trinidad, Colorado, to D.G. and Christine (Passarelli) Montoya.

He departed to his eternal home in Heaven on Saturday, December 17, 2016, surrounded by his loving family at his Fountain, CO home. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend.

Frank attended public schools in Trinidad graduating in 1948 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Army. He married his wife of 65 years Luciana, a native of Trieste, Italy on September 2, 1951. They have lived in the Fountain Valley area since 1974.

In addition to his wife Lucy, he is survived by two children: his daughter, Margaret (and husband, Lupe Gonzalez); and his son, Frank, Jr. (and wife, Kathryn); four grandchildren, Christine, Wendi, Ryan and Aaron; and four great-grandchildren: Lauren, Jack, Autumn and Natali. Also surviving are a brother, Philip, a sister, Celia and her husband, Floyd La Crue

He also leaves behind his and Lucy’s beloved dogs, Dee Dee and Sugar Bear.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Lillian, who was taken from them, tragically, in an automobile accident at the age of 16. He was also preceded by a brother, Lee Montoya and a sister, Tillie Trujillo.

During his lifetime Frank was a newsboy, cowboy, hay stacker, fruit picker, field worker, hotel bellhop, theater usher, and grocery store clerk.

During his military service he advanced from Private to Master Sergeant, First Sergeant and Warrant Officer, He served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, over 14 of which were overseas tours in Italy twice, Germany twice, Japan and Morocco, achieving the grade of Chief Warrant Officer, W3. In 1967-1968 he served with the 9th Infantry Division during the war in Vietnam as a Maintenance Platoon Leader earning two Bronze Stars, one of which was for Meritorious Service during the TET Offensive.

He was a member of several veterans organizations, including VFW Post 6461 in Fountain.

After retiring from the Army, Frank worked as a life insurance agent, real estate agent, college instructor and finally as the Advertising Manager for Fountain Valley News for many years before retiring. He helped the newspaper earn awards from the Colorado Press Association’s better newspaper contest.

Even after retirement he stayed busy on occasional special features in the newspaper as well as in the community, helping organize community events and was called upon by Fountain Mayor Jeri C. Howells to form a committee to build a veterans memorial in the Fountain Valley, a project he was so very passionate about, dedicating a great deal of his time and talents to seeing it to completion. After it was built he helped to plan special events at the site on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and he was involved with a project to expand the memorial.

He also helped to organize the first community Veterans Day observance at Fountain’s City Hall plaza after 9-11-01, working with city leaders and chamber of commerce officials. He continued to lend his support to planning these and many other community events for many years.

As Fountain’s Poet Laureate he shared his writing talents with poems that were dedicated to the Fountain Fire and Police Departments, the All-America City Competition, Fountain’s Centennial and when Fountain earned the title of being name the Millenium City in 2000. Special events from Arbor Day to the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting were additional focuses of his works, to name a few more. He wrote special tributes about community leaders, the state of Colorado (his life-long home) and regional attractions.

A proud American and veteran, Frank authored two books of his poetry, both containing his many tributes to military veterans, which were so near and dear to his heart.

Frank was honored by the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce as the honored Grand Marshal of the Fall Festival Parade in 2007.

Frank loved the people of the Fountain Valley, which was the reason he did so much for the community. He was a wonderful man, so loved by his family and friends.

Most recently his activities include traveling with his wife Lucy, visiting friends and relatives and now and then making a short visit to their condo in the mountains and an occasional day or two "prospecting for gold” in the casinos at Cripple Creek, Colorado.

Visitation/viewing is scheduled this Thurs., Dec. 22 at Dove-Witt Family Mortuary, 6630 S. U.S. Highway 85/87, Fountain, CO from 6-8 p.m., and also from 9-10 a.m. on Fri., Dec. 23. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO. After burial there will be a reception for guests at Dove-Witt Family Mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Frank’s name.