S J Montalbano

S.J. Montalbano a native and resident of Baton Rouge passed away on Feb 10, 2021 at the age of 84. A 1955 Catholic High School graduate, attended LSU and Southwestern Louisiana University and a member of the SLU boxing team. Although he loved athletics and played football in high school, his driving interest was music. He started his musical career by organizing CYO dances and eventually opened Montel Records Recording studio in his family’s business at The Fruit Exchange. Some years later he opened Bano Produce and became one of the first to produce “packaged lettuce” nationwide. Upon retiring from the produce industry, he and his brother Mickey began hosting the WBRH radio program, Jukebox Legends. His final contribution to rock n roll was his autobiography “I’m Leaving It Up To Me”. He is survived by daughters, Michelle Montalbano, Stephanie Crochet (Chip), Debbie Taylor; and the mother of his daughters, former wife, & dear friend, Therese Rosso; ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Mary Margaret Bains (Frank); and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Rose (Nicholas) Montalbano ;and his beloved brother Mickey Montalbano. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation which will be held Saturday February 13th from 10 am - 1pm at Rabenhorst East. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time. Family would like to extend a special thanks to Drs. Gerald Militello and Carl Luikart and his nurse and dear friend Lisa Polozola. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic High School. Funeral services entrusted to Greenoaks Funeral Home. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.