Richard Joseph Montelaro Sr.

Richard Joseph Montelaro Sr., age 79, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, surrounded by love and a lifetime of well-lived memories. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Frances Montelaro, and his sister, Joann Jane Walsh. Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Judith “Judy” Traina Montelaro, with whom he shared a life full of adventure, family, and love. Together they raised three children: Juliee Anne Montelaro (Danny), Melissa Montelaro Manthey (Tristan), and Richard Joseph Montelaro Jr. He was a proud and deeply loved Poppi to his grandchildren: Cole Montelaro-Mokry, Gracie Mae Manthey, Dell Montelaro-Mokry, Tristan Grant Manthey, and Luca Joseph Montelaro. He is also survived by his brothers, Ronald Charles Montelaro and Daniel Dean Montelaro.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Richard answered the call to serve his country by entering the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War in G-2 Intelligence, specializing in aerial photo interpretation, and was honorably discharged in 1968. His service and discipline shaped the foundation of his life and leadership.

After returning home, Richard settled in Chalmette, Louisiana, where he began building both a family and a legacy. A self-made contractor and real estate broker, he founded Montelaro Real Estate and played a vital role in St. Bernard Parish's growth, building homes and condominiums throughout the area. His dedication to community service was evident through his leadership as President of the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycees, where he organized initiatives such as toy drives and community events. He proudly reigned as King of the Krewe of Lourdes in 1977 and was fondly remembered for creating a community pumpkin patch—where children were welcomed to pick pumpkins freely, often greeted by Richard himself in costume.

Richard had a lifelong love for the water. Summers were spent sailing with his family aboard their beloved sailboat, Phase II, making annual trips throughout the warm waters of Florida and creating traditions that would last generations. As his children grew older, Richard took his entrepreneurial spirit to Gulf Shores, Alabama. There, he built a beautiful family home on the water and established a successful chain of liquor stores, Tobacco Road and The Grape Escape, a wine bar and sandwich shop lovingly called “The Deli” When grandchildren entered his life, his home became a place of wonder—building a beach in his backyard, a dock along the lagoon, and teaching them how to fish, sail, and love the outdoors. His home was as distinctive as he was, easily recognized by its light pink stucco, blooming pink Alabama azaleas, and a proud display of American flags lining the driveway.

A cancer survivor, Richard beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with the same determination that defined his life. In retirement, he and Judy returned to Metairie, Louisiana, but slowing down was never an option for Richard. He became a Master Gardener, volunteered at the VA, and served faithfully at St. Francis Xavier through the Men’s Club and Knights of Columbus.

Travel was one of Richard’s greatest joys. Known for secretly booking trips, he and Judy loved exploring the world together—especially their annual visits to Disney World and EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. In quieter moments, Richard’s favorite pastime was sharing a meal with friends or family, engaging in long conversations, and always insisting on picking up the bill.

Richard Montelaro was a Marine, husband, father, Poppi, businessman, gardener, sailor, volunteer, and friend. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, generosity, curiosity, and deep love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the places he built, and the memories he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private service will be held at St. Catherine of Siena on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of three charities:

Blood Cancer United at www.bloodcancerunited.org

The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

The Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org