Joseph Hyacinth Montero II

Joe is survived by his brother, Brother Paul Montero, S.C.; his nephew James Martin (Liz) and James’ son James Martin; his niece Claire Martin Moore (Jeff) and their sons Dawson, Daniel and Mason Moore; his niece Mary Martin Lowe (Scott) and their sons Jack and Sam; his sister-in-law Sally Josephson (Bob) and their sons Robert Josephson (Sarah) and Colle Josephson (Melissa); and his many cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by Nancy, his wife of 38 years, his parents Odell and Anite Mabile Montero, his sister Margaret Ann Montero Martin and his brother-in-law James Dawson Martin, and his niece Ann Elizabeth Martin.

Joe was born on October 29, 1934 in Donaldsonville and with Nancy lived for many years in Labadieville. A 1952 graduate of Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, he attended Louisiana State University and Nicholls State University.

From his earliest years as a high school student performing electrical and plumbing repairs at Catholic High School to his eighties when he continued assisting with parish finances at St. Philomena Church in Labadieville, Joe demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving his church, school, community, and country.

Immediately after graduating from high school, Joe enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard, serving for 20 years before retiring as Platoon Sergeant (E7). His desire to serve his community also led him to local government. In 1961 he was elected Director of Finance for the City of Donaldsonville. Joe cherished his many years of participating in men’s retreats at Manresa Retreat Center, serving as Retreat Captain for 18 years and a term as president.

Over a 40-year career at Assumption Bank & Trust in Napoleonville, Joe held numerous positions before retiring as president in 1997. Joe was chairman of the Community Bankers of Louisiana from 1988-89. Deeply involved in the Labadieville community and beyond, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, and American Legion, and volunteered at numerous church and school fairs and festivals. A devoted member of St. Philomena Church, Joe served as Director of Finance for many years and taught in the parish’s high school religious education program. He and Nancy were founding members of the St. Philomena Adoration Chapel and served as Eucharistic Ministers.

Joe will be remembered by all who knew him as a man of extraordinary kindness, generosity, patience, and integrity. He loved his extended family and colleagues, and they loved him.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the personnel, especially the nurses and aides, at Ollie Steele Burden Manor; the staff of Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge; Reverend Matthew Dupre, pastor of Ascension of Our Lord; the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and the Sisters of St. Joseph; and all who loved, supported, and prayed for Joe.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Reverend Matthew Dupre, pastor, will be the celebrant. Visitation in the church will take place from 8:30 a.m. until Mass. Interment will be at 2 pm at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Brothers of the Sacred Heart, United States Province, 4600 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122; or to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 3134 Hundred Oaks Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oursoDonaldsonville.com for the Montero family.