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Joseph Monti Obituary

(Asbury Park Press)

JOSEPH MONTI
LAVALLETTE
Joseph Monti, of Lavallette, was a retired educator (Saint Peters College B.S. History; Kean University M.A. Social Studies; Seton Hall University Education Specialist (Ed. S.) Administrator and Supervisor) with forty years experience who last taught history in Toms River High School East. He formerly lived in Union City and Ridgewood, and was History Dept. Supervisor of Hasbrouck Heights High School. Throughout his career he received many honors. He was selected by the Daughters of the American Revolution as the Outstanding Teacher of American History in New Jersey. The Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge presented him with an Honor Certificate for Outstanding Contributions to Education. The American Ex-Prisoners of War Assn. presented him with a framed Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts to have their sacrifices remembered. The N.J. Legislature honored him with a framed Resolution for his continuing efforts to teach about the Armenian Genocide. He was presented with the Outstanding Citizenship Award by the Sons of the American Revolution. Four times he was included in WHO'S WHO AMONG AMERICA'S TEACHERS. The Korean War Veterans of Ocean County honored him with a framed Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts to have their "Forgotten War" remembered. The Toms River and Ocean County V.F.W.'s selected him Teacher of the Year, and he also received two awards for Outstanding Work in History from the D.A.R., the National Society, and Capt. Joshua Huddy Chapter. He received the Patriotism and Distinguished Service Awards as well as the Distinguished Citizen Medal from the Marine Corps League. He received the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award, Humanitarianism Award and Bronze Medallion Awards from the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the N.J. Marine Corps League selected him Man of the Year. The only year that he ever coached a high school sport, 1968, his varsity tennis team went undefeated 17-0, and won the first tennis championship for Hasbrouck Heights High School, and to this day, is the only tennis team in Hasbrouck Heights High School to go undefeated. He received the Grand Order Filippo Mazzei William Paca Award from UNICO National in 2006, as well as the Office of the Mayor Award in Lavallette. He looked forward to seeing his students each day for 40 years. Being with them brought joy to his life, and he felt his career was blessed, because of them. He also was a guest speaker, and wrote many patriotic and historical articles about the sacrifices of veterans. In 1975 he created the "Meet The People" monthly guest lecture series which functioned for 29 consecutive years. He enjoyed the company of his friends and family as well as historic travel, reading, playing tennis, and attending Giants and Jets football games. He especially looked forward to walking and playing for hours with "Peaches", the beautiful, loving Golden Retriever of his good friend Joanne Kobil.
He is predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Frank Monti. He is survived by a sister, Rosanne Monti Pfeiffer, her husband, Al, and niece Danielle Monti Pfeiffer of Ridgewood, NJ.
The family will receive friends Sunday 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 706 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday 10:00am at The Parish of St. Pio, Lavallette, NJ. Entombment to follow at Fairview Mausoleum, Fairview, NJ. Condolences may be sent to the family
by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com

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Published by Asbury Park Press on Feb. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Monti

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March 19, 2010

Deepest condolences to the loving family and friends of Joe Monti. He was a wonderful educator and person. It was a privilege to know him.
Sincerely,
Catherine McGuire

Paul Hurley

March 15, 2010

I was saddened to learn of Mr. Monti's passing. He was truly one of the finest teachers any student could ever have had. He was dedicated not only to his profession but to his students as well. He treated us with respect, addressing us as Mr. or Ms. rather than just using our first name. If he did use your first name it was your full, given name, not shortened and not a nickname. His "Meet the People" program brought history to life and current events always came from "US News and World Report". I remember several of us pooling our money and purchasing a statue of the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima for him. He displayed it, proudly, in his classroom at HHHS for many years to come. A little bit of Mr. Monti will live on in each of us whose privilege it was to sit in his classroom.

Ruth Pearson

March 15, 2010

Mr. Monti - A truly dedicated teacher who made U.S. History interesting in so many creative ways. You were tough, but always fair. We always knew what you expected from us and you were always available to help us reach for success if we were willing to work hard. I remember the dreaded lunchtime "Monti Reviews" at HHHS just before a big test. If we attended the "review" and paid attention, it was almost impossible not to do well on the test. A true gentleman, worthy of respect and admiration. Thank you for being such a man of honor. Your legacy lives on...

C D

March 3, 2010

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Monti's passing. Thank you for the wonderful memories. (TRHSE 2001) C.D.

Betty Terwilliger-Walsh

February 24, 2010

I remember Mr. Monti as a larger than life character - someone you'll never forget. He was vibrant, dedicated, and unabashedly patriotic... something I always admired him for. Praying that he is continuing his "Meet the People" in heaven. God bless you and your family.

Bill Anders

February 22, 2010

I was truly sorry to read of Joe's passing. I knew Joe for many years. Remember him working with his dad, and "Monti Fuels". We were classmates all thru grammar school at St. Joe's and Holy Family High School. We "hung-out" together along with Dan Cammiar and Don Iccari down there on 8th St. (not sure about the spellings. I remember his Bonneville, but most of all his pride & joy that Chevy 409SS. He loved to race it. We lost track of each other over the years but I often think about him and the other guys whenever I start to reminisce about the "good ole days". Joe was an ace. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Patti Falgiano

February 22, 2010

Thank you Joe for being the best teacher any student could ever ask for and for being a dear friend for 40 years. I will miss that wonderful,deep melodious voice of yours and so will the halls of HHHS.

C W

February 21, 2010

Thank you Mr. Monti. You were a smiling face, a warm hello, and an inspiration to all the students who were lucky enough to be in your class. We will never forget you!

Kathi Nelson

February 21, 2010

My condolences to the Monti family. He was quite memorable (HHHS 1975).

Helen Klem

February 21, 2010

HS East will continue with "Meet the People" but I'm sure so will Joe. Can you imagine Meet the People in heaven?
Joe will be very busy.
HS East and I will miss you Joseph.

Lauren Thom

February 21, 2010

Mr. Monti was on of my favorite and most memorable teachers I ever had at TR East. He always remembered me throughout the years and I was always greeted with, "Hello, young Lady!", anytime I passed him in the halls. I still remember all I learned in his Western Civ class freshman year in 1994. He will always be remembered and forever missed. Lauren T. Toms River, NJ

Salvatore Buttaci

February 21, 2010

Joe was one year behind me at Holy Family High School, but now in God's Light, he is so far ahead of me in Heaven I am filled with the good kind of envy.

Salvatore Buttaci

JOSEPH MONACO

February 21, 2010

To the Monti family, please accept our condolences on the passing of Joe. We will always remember his beautiful Pontiac Gand Prix which he loved when we attended HOLY FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL in Union City. Proud to be a graduate of Holy Family that produced such fine AMERICANS and dedicated people as Joe,,,,Joe Monaco, Pete De Santis and Charlie Wortmann BLUE BISHOP TEAMATES

Lynda Franzoi Wing

February 20, 2010

Mr. Monti was an awesome teacher. I remember when I found out he was my senior year history teacher I thought I would fail for sure.
He was one of the best teachers I ever had. He made history come to life, it was fun and exciting.
He gained your respect by demanding your respect.
I remember running into him years later down the shore. He was an awesome individual. The world would be a much better place if we had more teachers like Mr. Monti.
Rest in peace!
Lynda Franzoi Wing - HHHS - Class of 1975

Sally Schuren

February 20, 2010

I will always remember "Joe" Monti, as a Jersey Shore guy who stood above the rest in gentleness, respect, kindness, and sincerity. A man blessed with a warm smile, with a deep love of family, his country and the insatiable love of our country's history, and a great desire to share that love. He was a great man among men. May he rest peacefully with his parents. God Bless, Joe Monti.

Janis Sramek

February 20, 2010

It is a deep sadness to know that Mr. Monti has passed. As my history teacher in Hasbrouck Heights High School, he instilled a sense of wonder for history and a deep appreciation for all of our veterans. Recognized and awarded by his profession and by all the lives he touched, he truly left a legacy behind that has made the world a richer place. I will always remember his passion for history and his patriotism for our country. May he rest in beautiful peace. My warmest condolences to all of his family.
Hasbrouck Heights High School Class of '67

Lynda Farley

February 20, 2010

Everyone has a teacher that makes a lasting impression on them. Mr. Monti was that teacher for me. His reputation as a no nonsense teacher preceded him and I was so fearful of him walking into his classroom for the first time. Fear quickly turned into respect and admiration. I was lucky enough to have him teach my daughter many years later at Toms River High School East. My sincerest sympathy to his family. RIP Mr. Monti. You will be missed. HHHS '72

Ann Victoria Paras

February 20, 2010

Joe Monti was a graduate of Holy Family High in Union City. I only met him once at a Reunion. He impressed me when we chatted. Condolences to the family, I am sure he will be sorely missed.

Gina Panos-Funk

February 20, 2010

As reading all the beautiful words expressed by others who have had the great opportunity to know Mr. Monti, I have realized he left the exact same impact on everyone. All the sweet gestures, joyful good morning greetings, kind words, and unforgettable stories or phrases have been consistently shared with so many people. I always thought I was special to Mr. Monti...and I was, but he had a beautiful way of making everyone feel that way...how wonderful. The study guides I give my students and the jeopardy games we play are all because of this beautiful soul. Thank you Mr. Monti....
HSE...1992

Jim Todd

February 19, 2010

Very sorry to hear of Mr. Monti's passing. I loved his "Meet the People" series at Hasbrouck Heights High, and I vividly remember his deep respect for our troops. His talking about John Basilone from New Jersey still resonates with me today. A few years after high school I ran in to him and he looked me square in the eye and pointedly said "Enjoy life," with a big warm smile. It was one of those things you knew right then you would always remember. I often think of that and now am sad to hear of his passing. Enjoy eternal life Mr. Monti! --Jim Todd Class of '82

Barbara Bauerlein Reid

February 19, 2010

I will always walking down the halls and
Mr.Monti standing outside his class saying hello to everyone even if you weren't his student.

Joan Bokma-Hugo

February 19, 2010

I had Mr. Monti for history in Hasbrouck Heights High School. He taught me never to be afraid to ask for help, that there are teachers who really do care if you pass or fail & will be there for you to help you along the way. I'll never forget that. I'd failed one of the semesters, and he couldn't understand what had happened. Until I told him that I just didn't get it. He had a long talk with me about speaking up, seeking help, and never being afraid to admit you need help. You know that from that day forward, I learned a better way to study from Mr. Monti and was able to obtain good marks not only in his class then but other subjects. Sometimes we don't realize the impact a simple talk with someone will have in our lives. I carry those words he spoke to me with me yet today & it has made some profound changes in my life. Mr. Monti will be missed. My condolences and prayers to his family.

Jeanne Cleland-Donovan

February 19, 2010

"A streak of fire, a breath of flame, eluding all who reach and clutch, a gray ghost thrown into the game, that rival hands may never touch." Mr. Monti you made me learn that line senior year to pass. I never forgot it or your kindness. You will be missed.

Johanna Gonzalez

February 19, 2010

Anyone who knew Joe Monti will remember and admire him as a scholar, an educator and a patriot. He was truly inspirational to friends as well as students--a man of many interests and many talents. Above all, he was an absolute gentleman. Those of us who knew him personally mourn his loss and cherish his memory.

Rachel Dato, TRHSE '06

February 19, 2010

You will be missed, but never forgoten

Kathleen Bischoff-Romano

February 19, 2010

My deepest condolences to Joe Monti's family and friends at this difficult time. Mr. Monti was an amazing, dedicated, professional and caring teacher. He made a positive difference in so many lives, including mine - he helped a scared young girl become a strong, brave, young lady! I will always remember him with great respect, deepest thanks and wish him comfort and peace.

HS East Parent

February 19, 2010

Thoughts on Facebook from HS East students and parents:
Erik Harclerode - RIP Mr Monti. You taught me to put women on a pedestal, what a "flying buttress" is, and everything I wanted to know about the Bourgeoisie. He was one of those teachers that you think is totally weird when you're a teenager, but as an adult you realize he was wise beyond his years.
Jessica Brown - I still hear his voice saying " Jessie Brown". I actually found a few of the bookmarks he used to give out. So sad :(
Ashley Parezo-Bowman - So sad...he was my favorite. I had no idea
Lydia Perez-Ragsdale - Wow. That is sad! He was an awesome teacher!!!
Brian Ainley - They named the lecture hall at East after him. Up until a month ago i was still getting envelopes of history clippings from him.
Jessica Jagger - Aww. Mr Monti was awesome and strange and fun all in the same period. I can totally hear him talking about flying buttresses and saying each of our names in his funny, emphatic way.
Katie Brindley - RIP Mr. Monti you will always be remembered
Beth Williams - Wow -- I can't believe it. Mr Monti was great -- I remember so many little things because of the way he used to say them. Like Alexander the Great's horse -- BUCEPHALUS.
Noelle Stefanelli Henkel - Wow..I had no idea. And so strange...was just talking about him this weekend. I remember, he used to call me "Noel-la" in his big booming voice.
Amanda Alexis Parezo - I'll miss him so much - he was a great man and a great teacher. Bourgesie and Bucephalus are the top two things that I will remember from him!
Lynda Fox Brown - Such a real nice man. RIP
Susan Wenzinger Parezo - What a sweetheart ? Mr. Monte was. I will never forget how wonderful he was to all three of my daughters. Such sad news.....

DH - Well done thou good and faithful servant.

Crystal Zienowicz (Butterfield), TRHSE '99

February 19, 2010

In my academic career, there is no other teacher who made such a positive, lasting impression. Thank you for the dedication you showed to your students and your community. You will live on in all the lives you've touched over the years.

Lisa MacInnes

February 19, 2010

Mr. Monti - I am so lucky to have met you and to have been apart of your History class at Toms River HS East. You truly are an inspiration. I'll never forget your wonderful greeting to me and many other students - 'good morning young lady'. Thank you for teaching me! It was wonderful to see you last year at the football dinner in AC - I am glad you got to meet my husband and his family. Rest in peace always! You will be missed tremendously!
Lisa Freibott MacInnes (Class of 1999)

Carol Lasch Berlet, M.D., HHHS 1975

February 19, 2010

Mr. Monti was one of the best teachers I had in 21+years of formal education. His enthusiasm for his job and the delivery of material definitely set him apart in the education world. I have such great and vivid memories of him. His was a life well done! My condolences to his family.

Mary Berberich

February 19, 2010

Mr. Monti has never been forgotten and never will be. You can not think of your years at Hasbrouck Heights High School and not think of him. Rest In Peace.

Jaci K.

February 18, 2010

Mr. Monti was my freshman year history teacher at HS East. It was already my favorite subject but having Mr. Monti as a teacher helped me appreciate it even more. I have 3 girls of my own now, one who will be 10 this year and they all know about Mr. Monti and what an inspiration he was to me. I have passed on my love of history on to my girls. Thank-you for being the teacher you were...class of 2000

Donna Chermark

February 18, 2010

It was an honor to have been in his classroom. Senior year History 1982 Hasbouck Heights High School. The halls shall be lonely without him.
Donna Chermark

Valerie Heinz (Voss)

February 18, 2010

Mr. Monti,
You were an amazing teacher. You inspired me to love history. I will never forget learning about Fatimah, Mohammed's most beloved daughter. Thank you for everything you did for your students. We probably did not say that enough. Toms River High School East, 1999.

nadine zaumseil(Sesta)

February 18, 2010

Mr.Monti,it was an honor to cross paths with such a wonderful person in life,may you rest in peace,your smile and sincere way, blessed all of us, fortunate to have you as a teacher.

February 18, 2010

Mr. Monti sure will be missed. He was my senior year history teacher and an extremely good motivator, always had a smile and positive attitude.
Chuck Wipper
Hasbrouck Heights

Henry Keebler

February 18, 2010

Thank you Mr.Monti for your life of many contributions and for all of us who appreciate history more because we had the privilege of being in your class.We are all richer due to your efforts. Be thou at peace. COL(R) Henry C Keebler III, HHHS '69.

Melissa

February 18, 2010

Mr. Monti was a wonderful teacher and made history enjoyable and interesting. Every morning, I would walk by his classroom and each time he would say "Good morning young lady". Every student should have had the opportunity to be one of his students and experience his teaching style. He is going to be truly missed in the halls of High School East.

Ed Johnson

February 18, 2010

Mr.Monti was without a doubt the best educator I ever came across.He had a way of making history interesting.Always caring and took an interest in his students.He will be missed by me and anyone who's life he touched.As a member of the class of 1968 at Hasbrouck Heights High School
I think I speak for all of us when I say we will miss him.

David Sarmiento

February 18, 2010

Mr. Monti you were a great man and I really enjoyed being your student. Thanks for not having me suspeneded when I know you could have and really should have. May you Rest in Peace!

Lauren

February 18, 2010

Mr Monti,
To this day you are the only teacher I can remember so vividly about. You opened up history to me in a way no one else had or can every again. I hope you are enjoying your time with all the people you taught us so much about. Thank you so much for your hardwork and dedication.

Jenny Howell

February 18, 2010

You will truly be missed by so many. Such a wonderful teacher, so full of life, and always made me smile. I will never forget you. Rest in peace.

Alan Polterguisio

February 18, 2010

The staff of the Co-Pilot bids a sad farewell to "Roller Joe" Monti. Without you our paper would not have been what it was!

Matthew

February 18, 2010

Mr. Monti,

Your passion for teaching and History has inspired so many of your former students. I will never forget how the stories you talked about in class painted vivid pictures in my mind, whether they be about Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus, or the tales of the great Persian empire you always managed to keep me wanting to know more about history. You inspired me to follow your path and graduate with a BA in Education and Social Studies. I could never thank you enough. In the words of Alexander; "I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well. "
TR East Class of 2002

Terrence Rinck

February 18, 2010

I will always remember bucephalous.

Catherine Werner

February 18, 2010

Mr Monti was a beloved teacher at TRHS East. His love of history inspired so many. Thinking of him with a smile as he Meets the People in heaven. God bless you Mr Monti, and thanks for the many lessons you taught us all. East is a better place because you were there.

Noel Neary

February 18, 2010

Mr. Monti,
I know you will live on in all of High School East Student's memories. You made World Civ. such a fun, exciting class. We will all miss you.

Roy Tutunjian

February 18, 2010

There are few teachers who are easily recalled forty years after they last stood in the classrooms or walked the hallways of our schools. His smile, the sound of his voice and ability to relate to students seem so vivid. He approached us on a level we understood, bringing both knowlege and enjoyment to so many of the students of Hasbrouck Heights High School. Rest in peace, Mr. Monti.

Victoria Krezonis

February 18, 2010

Joe, I will miss you, dear friend. Your dedication, patriotism, zest for life, knowledge of history, and unselfish sharing of ideas will stay with me forever. The world is a poorer place because you have left us, but heaven rejoices.

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