Anthony Mike "Tony" Montabana

1930 - 2017

May 7, 1930 – July 6, 2017

"…Well done, good and faithful servant!
You have been faithful with a few things;
I will put you in charge of many things.
Enter into the joy of your master."
~Matthew 25:23

Our beloved Daddy went to be with his Great God, following a long series of health challenges. He was reunited with his soul-mate, Ann Mitchell Montabana; his parents, Maggie and Michelangelo Montabana; his brother, Frank Montabana; his grandparents, Anna and Antonino Montabana; and scores of loved ones, who predeceased him.

He is survived by his children, Anthony Mike Montabana II (wife – Sue) of Millry, AL, and Christe Ann Montabana of Pace, FL; one granddaughter, Anna Michelle Montabana of Houston, TX; special family, Ada Hollingshead; nephews: Mark Montabana (wife – Megan) of Jacksonville, FL, and Todd Montabana (wife - April) and their children, Katherine and Michael, of Jamison, PA; sister-in-law, Mary Montabana of Ft. Mill, SC; plus dear cousins in Alabama, California and Colorado (the Montabanas, Vetranos, Tortorices, Millazzos & Bobans).

Anthony's lifetime achievement was caring for his family. When he was only eight, his father died, leaving him the "man of the house". From that day to the end of his life, he did his absolute best to care for everyone. He often did without what some would consider necessities so that others would not have to struggle.

A native of Birmingham, AL, Anthony lived primarily in Alabama and Florida, when not traveling the world for business and pleasure. He served his country faithfully during the Korean War. He was inducted into the Army in California and stationed at a military hospital in Vienna, Austria.

For most of his adult life, Anthony focused on a career in commercial and industrial construction, completing projects in Saudi Arabia and all over the continental U.S.A. He had a keen interest in life-long learning, collecting many books on ancient civilizations featuring the marvels of past builders in Egypt, Greece & Italy.

Following retirement, Anthony enjoyed fishing, raising tropical flowers, and researching his family tree (long before the Internet). With the help of a beloved cousin, Patricia Bright Montabana & nephew, Todd Montabana, he collected/compiled many genealogy treasures. For years, he visited family, old family friends, and poked around in dusty & damp courthouses, collecting what is now available with a few keystrokes.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017, 10 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton, FL. Monsignor Michael Reed will lead the holy sacraments.

Burial will follow at 4 p.m. the same day, in Gulf Cemetery, Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Special thanks are extended to the staff & members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church; faithful friends and caregivers: Ms. Ada Hollingshead; Ms. Pat Bright Montabana; Mr. & Mrs. Bill Michie; Mr. Michael Horgan; Ms. Doris Ethridge; Ms. Glenda Giles; Ms. Jenall Huhner; Rev. Patsy Johnson; Mr. Brian Murley; Paige, Bryan & Erika Estock; Rhonda & Ron Currier; Debbie, Steve, Aldyn & Audrey Miller; Tracey & Steve Myers; Dr. Joan Ziel & her therapy dog, "Dreamer"; and Col. Tex Golenta.

Our deep appreciation goes to Daddy's trusted Physician of many years, Dr. James Brown, at the Medical Center Clinic; the staff at Pruitt Health - Santa Rosa; and the members of the Covenant Care team, who cared for both of our parents – Nurse: Barbara, Social Worker: Al, Chaplain: Ken.

God bless each of you & all those you love!