Peter P. Montera

PETER P. MONTERA

Peter P. Montera passed into the arms of his Lord on January 13, 2019at the age of 85 after a long term illness.

He was born in Long Island City, New York on June 17, 1933 to Adolph T. Montera and Minnie Citarella both of New York. He was predeceased by his parents, his son, Peter Montera and his brother Paul P. Montera. He is survived by his sister Anne Poskitt and sister-in-law Linda Montera. He leaves his wife of over 66 years, Therese (Teri) Gerraughty, children, Annemarie Montera (Jack), David Montera (Sally), Therese Wood (Donald), Antoinette Brantley (Rico), 15 grandchildren,20 great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Peter began his work career at the New York Daily News upon graduation from High School. In 1952, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was assigned to U.S.A.F. Security Service at Brooks AFB. He was transferred to Hqs, USAFSS, Kelly AFB then transferred as NCOIC of U.S.A.F. Security Service Liaison Office in Manhattan Beach AF Station, Brooklyn, NY. After the Korean War ended, he returned to civilian life and the NY Daily News. He also returned to school where he received his A.A.S. degree from Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY in Management and then completed his studies at Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY receiving his B.S. degree (cum laude) in Marketing.

He rose to positions of responsibility in the Newspaper Industry. He was Communication Manager of the N.Y. Daily News, Circulation Director at the Desert Sun, Palm Springs, California, VP/General Manager of Gaynor News Company, Westchester, NY and retired as Circulation Manager of the NY Daily News. He worked for the Tribune Company for 35 active years until his disability retirement in 1986.

A strong advocate of sports, his first love was baseball. In his youth he was given a try-out with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Hall of Famer George Sisler, told him to come back after his service commitment. An avid golfer, he is credited with 2 holes-in-one. A great fan of Little League Baseball and Pop Warner Football, he was once asked by Pop Warner founder Joe Tomblin if he would consider joining the management team. In his retirement years he devoted his energy to genealogy writing 4 books on his research and family histories.

Always willing to assist, he held memberships in the International Circulation Managers Association, California Circulation Manager's Association. In San Antonio, he was 1st Vice President of the Christopher Columbus Italian Society, he served as Trustee of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus Assembly in Schertz, TX. He was Commander of the American Legion Post 612 in Windcrest, TX. He was also a member of the Air Force Association, Air Force Museum Foundation, Life member of FTVA (USAFSS). In 1964 he attended the Republican Convention that nominated Barry Goldwater and was an alternate delegate to the NY State Republican Convention, Rochester, NY that nominated Nelson Rockefeller as Governor.

Peter was a decorated Air Force Veteran and holds the Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. In civilian life he was recognized in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the East, Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Who's Who in Media and Communication and Cambridge Who's Who.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Legion Post 612, Windcrest, TX. He will repose at Colonial Funeral Home, Universal City, TX Friday, January 18, 2019 from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 6:00 P.M. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 12:30 P.M. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8500 Cross Mountain Trail, San Antonio, TX 78255.

As a decorated former U.S.A.F. Veteran and Staff Sergeant and a member of USAF Security Service (He was proud to be called a "Silent Warrior"), he will be interred at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with full Military Honors to rest with his former comrades and friends. Burial will be on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. Please sign the guestbook at www.colonialuniversal.com