In Memory of

Robert

Charles

Montano

Obituary for Robert Charles Montano

Robert Montano, Strong and Faithful to the Lord, born May 1st, 1928 passed from this life on March 4th , 2020 at McLean’s. Prior to that, he enjoyed his home in Powder Forest for a number of years, after moving from the family home on Carver Circle which he always made so special.

He was born in Newark, NJ, the son of Rocco and Nellie (Caruso) Montano. He lived his early years on Marsac Place while his father operated Montano Trucking Company in the city. The family moved to West Hartford when Robert was fourteen. He attended Hall High School a short walk from his Ellsworth Road home. As a football lineman he earned the nickname “Bull Montano”.

He met his wife of 64 years, Teresa, at a house party at his West Hartford home. They married on April 21, 1956 and began their life together in Simsbury after honeymooning in Bermuda.

After serving in the military Robert was personal driver and campaign manager for Prescott Bush during his successful run for the US Senate from Connecticut. He declined an offer to move to Washington and work for Senator Bush.

Robert was self employed his entire life, starting one of the first folding outdoor aluminum chair manufacturers in the country in New Britain. He later owned M & M Frozen Foods with the business located at the foot of Seminary Road. He also owned Highland Hardware Store in Winsted, after selling that store he spent the rest of his working career in the hardware business.

Robert was a founding member of the Simsbury Businessmen’s Association and the Simsbury Fish & Game club as well as its long time treasurer. A veteran of World War II, Sergeant First Class Montano served in the US Army 43rd Infantry Division, he was VFW post commander, organized the annual pop drive, and was district chaplain. He was always ready to lend a hand, and offer advice or guidance. His talents, involving a wide range of skills, earned him the loving term “hands of gold”.

Robert’s later life passion was his personal retreat, which he hand built, “The Cabin” in Connesville NY. He shared the cabin experience with so many friends and family creating many strong memories. Planning his weekly trips, the drive there, time building, hunting, and visiting his Brand Road neighbors brought him such joy.

Robert was an avid big game hunter and fisherman, with prize mounts from Africa, Alaska, Texas, Utah, Montana, and Canada. He was a superb marksman taking down the largest of his prizes with a single shot from his trusted 30-06 rifle.

His love of the outdoors and hobbies including racing pigeons, training hunting dogs, gardening, and refinishing furniture, filled his life with rewarding activities that he shared with his family.

Robert is survived by his son Steven and his wife Julie. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years Teresa and his beloved daughter Elaine. He is also survived by his sister Gloria Carabillo, brother in-law John Champa, sister in-law Vinsetta (Champa) Coe and husband Richard, sister in-law Rosann (Champa) DiMartino and husband Philip, and nieces and nephews.

“Where I am from, is also where I am going.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, October 7th at 10:00am at St. Mary's Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford with a life celebration luncheon to follow.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to “McLean Entry Restoration and Artwork Fund”, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070. Please visit Robert’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.