John H. Montesi

John grew up in East Hartford and graduated from George J. Penney High School. He played baseball, basketball and football, and was adventurous throughout his childhood. He attended MCC and worked for Aetna most of his professional life, before and after his tragic motorcycle accident in 1982.

His ability to endure pain and suffering and mostly focus on the positives in life was absolutely remarkable and inspirational. John outlived so many experts’ predictions over four decades, right up to his final day.

He wore his big heart on his sleeve, especially for his family. He absolutely adored his late sister, Lynn, nieces and nephews, sisters in law and especially his Mom. He was a wonderful big brother, so generous and enthusiastic in teaching his brothers anything he could and sharing whatever he had. The intense way he loved intelligent music, goofy movies, great food, technology and amazing scientific discoveries was infectious. His sense of humor and biggest belly laughs with his siblings were something to behold, and might be what will be missed the most.

John is survived by his mother, Connie, of East Hartford; brother Robert and his wife, Anne, of Simsbury; brother Michael and his wife, Kathleen, of Glastonbury; brother-in-law Andre Ross of Florida; and nieces and nephews Rachel, Hannah, Jack, Luke and Ella, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Lynn Ross and father, Jack.

John’s family would like to express deep gratitude to the dedicated healthcare professionals who compassionately helped John write his own story of resilience and survival.

Private funeral service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John’s memory to Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, 50 Gaylord Farm Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 or at gaylord.org/giving, or a spinal cord injury organization of your choice. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.