Monte C. Shalett

Son to the late Harold Theodore and Mae Frankel Shalett, Brother to the late Jay Bruce Shalett, Husband to Merit Watson Shalett, Father to Lee Watson and Monte Cresap Shalett, Grandfather to Maeve Elee, Stone Tevah, Kara Rayne and Ever Watson Shalett.

“Big” Monte was born April 23, 1949 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the home his parents built in Lake Vista, raised a loving family of his own there, and would eventually pass away peacefully in that home with his family by his side. On August 20, 2023, Monte left this world with as much courage as he had shown for the six months prior while fighting pancreatic cancer.

Monte was an: Entrepreneur, athlete, sailor, pilot, photographer, geologist, engineer, landman, traveler, collector of too many things, owner of too many businesses, member of too many clubs, lover of lunch meetings, sound system enthusiast, ultimate wedding guest, Jazz Fest hero, man of music, Hermes Krewe rider, Who Dat, tinkerer, crow, wolf and feral cat whisperer, friend to all, and a wonderful father.

Monte was a 3-time Ironman, completing his first at the age of 60. He was a race car driver, winning the 1995 Monterey Historics Vintage Grand Prix in his beloved 1978 McLaren M26 Formula 1 car. In March, 1992 he published the first edition of Race Time magazine, a nationwide TV guide for each week’s motorsports events.

He was a very proud alumnus of Sam Barthe School in City Park, Taft High School in Watertown, CT and the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.

His massive smile, big expressive eyebrows, along with authentic, kind and gentle disposition will be dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

A celebration of Monte’s love and spirit was held at his home on November 18, 2023. No further services are planned.

In his honor, Monte asked that you soak up every ounce of joy that life has to offer.

To share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family, please visit the online guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com.