Michael "Mickey" Joseph Montalbano

Mickey Montalbano passed away peacefully Sunday morning at his residence at Williamsburg Senior Living. He was 91. Mickey was born Michael Joseph Montalbano on Feb. 16th, 1927 to parents Carl and Rose Nicholas Montalbano. He received his diploma from Baton Rouge High School in 1944. He was granted an “honorary” degree from Catholic High School. He enlisted in the Navy that same year and served on the SS Xanthus in Okinawa during WWll. He was later stationed in Tsing Tao, China. His rank upon discharge was Seaman 1st Class. He has one brother, Samuel John (SJ) Montalbano, and one sister, Mary Margaret Montalbano Bains (Frank). He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Rose and his wife, Jaqueline Laurent Montalbano whom he married in 1951. He is survived by his brother and sister, Mary Margaret and SJ, and a sister-in-law, Kay Davis. Also, he is survived by his children and spouses: Mike and DeEtte Montalbano, Randy and Darleen Montalbano, Vicki and David Brewer, Toni and Daniel Strong, and Tommy Montalbano. Additionally, he is survived by nine grandchildren: Dana Brewer, Kristen Brewer Sitter(Doug), Michael J. Montalbano, lll (Allison), Kerrie Montalbano Richmond (Ryan), Tiffinie Burychka (Darren), Randall Montalbano Jr.,(Emily), Tabitha Montalbano Bordelon (Mark), Ryan Strong (Whitney), and Natalie Montalbano Virgets (Warren), and sixteen great grandchildren: Anna Kate, Brody, Evie, Gianna, Stella, Claire, Abigail, Abel, Cooper, Enoch, Ellie, Sloan, Mollie, Luke, Anna and Parker. He owned and worked for the family business most of his life. That was The Fruit Exchange, which was located where the statue of Christopher Columbus now stands on Front Street in Baton Rouge. It later became Food Systems, Inc., located on Nicholson Drive. Mickey was Vice President of Montel Records, with his brother SJ as president. Together they had a #1 hit, “I’m Leaving it Up to You” by Dale and Grace. They also produced many concerts and dances through the 1950’s and 60’s and early 70’s. Later in life, Mickey and SJ co-hosted the very popular radio show, “Jukebox Legends” on WBRH. His brother, SJ was his best friend, and they saw each other every day for breakfast, lunch, or just to visit. Having lived a long and active life, Mickey acquired hundreds of friends and loved ones throughout the years. Some have passed on, and some are still with us. Mickey loved and cherished all of his friends who came from all walks of life. Some were successful, some were economically challenged. They were all friends in his eyes. Over the years, Mickey belonged to many civic, social, and church organizations. He sponsored numerous youth athletic teams. Most recently, he served on the board of the SS Kidd, and belonged to the Baton Rouge Chapter of the US Navy Club. Pallbearers will be, Michael Montalbano lll, Ryan Richmond, Ryan Strong, Randy Montalbano Jr., Doug Sitter, Mark Bordelon, Warren Virgets and Darren Burychka. The family would like to thank Dr. Carl Luikart for his warm, caring and professional care over the years. He always reminded us that every day is a blessing. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Memorial Park 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Wednesday, November 7th, from 5pm until 8pm. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church which he has been a member of for 65 years, on Thursday at 10am. Conducted by Father Cleo Milano. Burial will take place at Greenoaks. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society.