Mario Gonzales Montelongo Sr.

Mario, the youngest of ten children, was born on August 8, 1942 to Seriapo and Juana (Gonzales) Montelongo, Sr. in San Angelo, Texas. Mario attended and graduated from San Angelo Central High School in San Angelo, Texas. Upon his graduation, he relocated to Abilene, Texas to pursue employment with his oldest brother at Acosta’s Sav-Sum-Foods. Soon after arriving in Abilene, Mario met his beloved Rosie (Esparza) and wed on June 27, 1964 in Abilene, Texas.

Mario was a loyal employee and hard worker. During the course of his career, he was employed by CG-Con, Caldwell Music, and AB-TEX Beverage until his retirement. Mario was a member of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church.

Due to his upbringing in such a large family, Mario took pride in being a “family man” and enjoyed being with family most of all. He was a devoted husband and father that instilled the importance of strong family values in all three of his sons. Mario was an avid sports fan who took pride in attending the sporting events of his sons and grandchildren.

Mario was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Rosa of Abilene; sons, Mario Montelongo, Jr. and wife Grace, Raymond Montelongo and wife Lisa, Eric Montelongo and wife Courtney, all of Abilene, Texas; brothers, Abel Montelongo and wife Carmen of Chulavista, California, Leonardo Montelongo, Seriapo Montelongo, Jr. and wife Emma, and sister, Rebecca (Montelongo) Garcia, all of San Angelo, Texas; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, visitation will be open to the public between 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Rosary and Prayer Service to follow from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home located at 5701 U.S. Hwy. 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Funeral services to be held on Monday, June 3, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview Drive, Abilene, Texas, with Father Terry Brenon officiating. Graveside services to be directly after in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery located at 5701 U.S. Hwy. 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Serving as pallbearers are Raymond Montelongo, Chrystian Montelongo, David Montelongo, Zachary Montelongo, David Castaneda, Jacinto Montelongo, Jr., and Larry Montelongo.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Chris Knapp and the staff at Coronado Nursing Center, Hendrick Hospice Care, and the staff in the Adult Division at Kinder Hearts Home Health, LLC.