Monty L. Slaybaugh

So, it was for Monty, a devoted family man who served in the U.S. Navy, built a successful career as an air traffic controller with the FAA, and valued his communities in Plainfield, Indiana, and in Pinellas County, Florida—first in Seminole and later in Largo (Holiday Shores). For more than 30 years, he helped shape life at Holiday Shores, serving as president and board member, helping lead many of the community’s plays and musicals, and, above all, cherishing the lifelong friendships he built within the Holiday Shores community. Monty was also a proud Freemason and a Noble of Murat Shriners.

Monty passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Largo, Florida, surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old.

His story began on February 15, 1937, in Jackson, Michigan, the eldest of two sons born to Marie and Earl Slaybaugh. Childhood was filled with sports, family activities, and time with his younger brother, Greg. After graduating from high school, Monty joined the U.S. Navy in October 1955, ultimately attaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class as a Navy air traffic controller.

On April 12, 1958, Monty married the love of his life, Barbara Lorraine Sammons, in Bethesda, Maryland. Shortly after, they moved to Plainfield, Indiana, where they built a beautiful life, raising three children—Constance (Connie), Jennifer, and Anthony (Tony).

Monty worked as an air traffic controller at Indianapolis International Airport, eventually rising to become head of the Indianapolis PATCO, the air traffic controllers’ union. They loved their 20-plus years in Plainfield, where Monty was deeply involved in the community. He dedicated much of his spare time to coaching youth sports and building homes in the Walnut Hills neighborhood. Both daughters, Connie and Jennifer, graduated from Plainfield High School. Summers were especially treasured where nearly every year the family traveled to Ocean City, Maryland, making lifelong memories. Ocean City remained Monty’s favorite vacation spot throughout his life, and he especially loved the time shared there with the Brown and Ruddo families.

Monty’s choice to join and lead the 1981 PATCO strike, which led to his dismissal, proved to be a life-changing moment—one that ultimately opened the door to a new chapter in which their family story would blossom in ways they would forever treasure. Connie and Jennifer met their husbands and started families. His son, Tony, attended Seminole High School and later the University of Florida, where he met his wife and soon thereafter started a family in Denver, Colorado. Monty also found a lifelong passion for his beloved Florida Gators—as his voicemail proclaimed: “This is Monty, the Bull Gator… always remember, Go Gators!”

That move to Florida also brought Monty closer to his brother, Greg, whose family lived nearby creating a bond that meant so much to him. It also brought some of his happiest moments—those precious Friday nights with his local grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly called him Pop-Pop.

Thank you, Pop-Pop, for the love you gave us and for reminding us always that “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Monty is survived by his children, Connie (John) Morris of Largo; Tony (Stephanie) Slaybaugh of Denver, Colorado; his son-in-law, Tony Bonni of Pell Lake, Wisconsin; his brother, Greg (Susan) Slaybaugh of Oldsmar; and his grandchildren—Lindsay (Henrik) Morris-Fjeldsbø of Largo; Sarah Morris (Michael Rodriguez) of Tampa; Anthony and Michael Bonni of Pell Lake, Wisconsin; and Casey, Natalie, and Jake Slaybaugh of Denver, Colorado. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Linden, Elijah, Noah, and Isaiah.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Slaybaugh, and his daughter, Jennifer Bonni.

A Celebration of Life will be held, Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The reception will follow from 11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Connect2Christ Church, 9398 Oakhurst Rd., Seminole, FL 33776.