George C Montalbano

It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved father, George Montalbano, passed away in his home surrounded by family on Friday, October 2, 2015.

At the one year anniversary of our Mom’s passing, our father was diagnosed with cancer which advanced rapidly. During his physical decline, his humor and spirit stayed strong until the end.

His passions were his family, teaching, and ballroom dancing. When he was young, he and his two cousins, Joe and Mike, would go dancing every week. He even taught ballroom dancing and was as graceful as ever up until his illness.

He owned his own engineering firm, Montalbano Engineering, in Chicago, and after selling the company moved to San Diego and retired with Northern Telecom. He then decided to start a new profession at age 70 as a teacher. His engineering background served him well at ITT Technical and he stayed there for 17 years until this past May.

Our Dad was a real believer in education, having served on the board of our school district when we were kids, whose policies have positively influenced our generation and those that continue to follow. To fulfill a long time personal goal, he earned his master’s degree in Business (MBA) and both Gina and he graduated together, in 2005. We will always be proud of him, and our sister, for that, because it teaches us it is never too late to pursue your dreams and goals.

Our Dad lived his life fully, loved unconditionally, and was respected by so many throughout his 87 years. Beyond his devoted 57-year marriage to our Mom, he was a constant stabilizing force for our whole family and a true example of being a kind and wise individual in countless ways. All felt welcome and relaxed in our parent’s home and in their presence.

Dad, you will always be in our hearts and daily thoughts as we remember a life well lived filled with never-ending devotion to your family, your playfulness even up to the end, and that infectious and wonderful smile.

We miss you terribly, but know that you are at last reunited with Mom. Until we see you again. With all our love, George, Gina, Greg, Gary, and Jacki.

A memorial Service will be held at Friedrich’s Funeral Home in Mt. Prospect, IL, on Saturday, November 28, from 9-12 with lunch to follow.

A memorial lunch will be held at Buca Di Beppo in downtown San Diego on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 12 noon.