Pedro L. Montero

On Sunday, March 9th, our beloved Pedro Montero passed away, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, and unwavering dedication to his family. His 30-year journey after surviving a cancerous brain tumor was nothing short of a miracle—recognized as such by both loved ones and medical professionals alike.

Pedro taught those around him invaluable lessons, not least of which were strength and perseverance in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

Born in Cuba, Pedro spent his early years in a rural setting, where his love for animals and nature took root. As the eldest of three and the only son, he carried a deep sense of responsibility from an early age. Forced to flee Cuba in the 1960s, he eventually settled in New York, where he married Ivonne and took on the role of an instant father to her younger brother, Nelson.

Determined to provide for his young family, Pedro worked multiple jobs while continuing his education. He eventually accepted a low-paying bookkeeping job at a then-little-known company called General Electric. Though it meant earning less than his previous jobs in banquets, he saw potential in GE—and he was right. Over the years, he advanced in his career, ultimately retiring as the Head Controller for GE Medical Systems in Latin America after 30 years of service.

Pedro was a devoted husband and an exceptional father. He poured his energy into his children’s passions, coaching and sponsoring David’s little league (Flagami) team for years. The team became central to family life, with vacations tied to tournaments and each family member playing a role—his daughter, Yvette, as the scorekeeper and cheerleader, and his eldest son, Eddie, as a coach. Though Pedro never practiced gentle parenting, there was never a doubt among his own children or the many kids he coached about how deeply he cared.

Life changed dramatically on December 26, 1994, when a sudden seizure nearly took Pedro’s life and revealed a grapefruit-sized tumor in his brain. Doctors believed he wouldn’t survive the year—let alone three decades. But Pedro always knew how to bet against the odds and win.

A reflection on Pedro’s life would be incomplete without mention of his wife, Ivonne, who stood by his side through every moment. He lovingly called her “Mi Cielo” (My Sky), a perfect expression of their bond—she was his world, and he was hers. As we mourn his passing, we ask that you keep Ivonne in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates life without him.

Pedro is survived by his wife, Ivonne; his three children, Eddie, Yvette, and David; and his brother-in-law, Nelson, whom he helped raise and loved as a son. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley, Sophia, Kisha, Daniel, and Nicholas; and his sisters, Teresita and Silvia.

A viewing will be held on March 14th at Family Funeral Care, 13001 South John Young Pkwy, beginning at 5:00 PM. The funeral service will take place on March 15th at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, at 11:00 AM.