Raymond James Montana

Raymond ( Ray ) James Montana, 94 of St. Cloud, Florida passed away on December 28th, 2019 with his loving family by his side. Raymond was born in Utica, NY on October 23, 1925, to James Bonascio and Jeannette Pimpinella Montana. He was educated in the Utica school system and later joined the military where during WWII served with the 1277th and the 84th infantry (The Rail Splitters). The 84th was recognized as a “Liberating Unit” having liberated Ahlem and Salzwedel, satellite camps of Neuengamme concentration camp. After his time overseas in WWII Raymond served as a Sergeant first class in the National Guard during the Korean War. Raymond married his childhood sweetheart Theresa Vitale on October 19, 1946. They had 3 children and lived and loved in Utica until Theresa’s untimely death in 1984. Raymond met and fell in love with Joanne ( Marion ) Luke and was married on June 14, 1985. Joanne had 5 children and with both families combined there was never a time without company and grandchildren filling their home in Utica. They lived in Utica until retiring to the Villages in Florida in 1991. Ray moved from the villages after the passing of his wife Joanne and moved to St. Cloud to live with his son Daniel and Debbie Luke where he lived out the rest of his days.

Ray had an incredibly storied life. He saw some of the greatest achievements of humankind and some of the most horrific. He served in two wars and fought for his country both from home and abroad. He traveled almost the entirety of New York State as a truck driver for William Griffith & Son Bakery supply company. He married and deeply loved two amazing women. He suffered immense loss and tremendous joy. He cared deeply for his family and was always proud of them. For those lucky enough to spend a few hours with Ray you would be treated to some type of practical joke or a playful taunt. Ray was quick with a smart remark and even quicker with a hug to one of his many grandchildren. Ray and Joanne would host a plethora of their kids and grandkids during the summer, grilling and steaming clams and perfecting his catchphrase shout to his grandkids, “Shut the door, what do you think we live in a barn?”

Ray’s children remember him as their favorite, dance instructor, swim coach, golfing partner, their continual jokester, their ace in the hole for any cornhole game (which he was regularly unbeatable). He had a competitive spirit combined with good sportsmanship. He golfed below his age well into his 80’s and had 4 hole-in-ones a feat he was proud of. Ray could be remembered for so much but all of his children will always remember him first and foremost as a father, a role he seemed to fit into better with every year. His love was expanse to his kids and even more so to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His grandchildren will always remember his interest in their lives and the fun they had with him. He taught them how to golf, how to convincingly play a joke on someone, how to cook, how to make winning at any sport look effortless. He showed them what a loving husband and father looked like, what an incredible work ethic looked like, he swapped stories about work, the military, golf, and gardening with his grandkids. He was honest about how he felt with their choices and always told them he loved them. Ray was a constant example to look up to for his grandkids who had the pleasure of getting to share their lives with him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years Theresa Montana in 1984

He was preceded in death by his wife of 29 years Joanne Montana in 2014.

He was preceded in death by his son Ronald R. Montana, grandson Samuel Vagelatos, daughter, Mary Ellen Luke, brothers, Frank Montana, Joe Montana, James(Ronnie)Montana, Robert Montana, sisters Elizabeth Jane Montana, Marian Trevisani.

Ray is survived by his daughter’s Renee’ Montana and husband Mark Seiden, Sharon and husband Michael Cardamone, Debbie and husband Glenn Molusky, JoAnne and husband Michael Mullally, Sharon and husband Rene’ Cahoon.

A son Daniel and his wife Debbie Luke.

Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Services for Raymond will be held on February 8, 2020, at the St. Cloud American Legion

1019 Pennsylvania Ave. St. Cloud Fl. 34769

Instead of flowers please choose to donate to The Lustgarten Foundation, for Pancreatic Cancer.