Filippo Montalto

Filippo Montalto, 94, of New Bedford passed away on Wednesday May 25, 2016. He was the husband of Josephine Montalto; they celebrated their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary on May 24th.

Born in Agira, in the province of Catania, Sicily, he was the son of the late Bartolomeo and Giuseppina (Giacini) Montalto.

Mr. Montalto was a German POW during World War II and served in the Italian Air Force. After the war, he was a tailor, a profession that brought him and his wife to the United States in 1961. He moved to New Bedford in 1967 where he worked at Calvin Clothing Corporation for many years. While there he studied at the Middlesex School of Design and received his diploma. Becoming an American citizen was a proud moment in his life. Filippo was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church, New Bedford for over forty-five years.

A quirky sense of humor and strong work ethic served him well throughout his life. He believed that perseverance and ingenuity could overcome most obstacles. His greatest love was his wife and family and his grandchildren brought him tremendous joy.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children: Cristiana Montalto and her husband Gianni Turati of Moena, Italy, Bartolino Paul Montalto and his wife Heather of Westwood, Mary Grace Montalto and her husband Harry Donaghue of Quincy, Carol Bresciani and her husband Lawrence of Bridgewater and Michael Montalto; eight grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three siblings.

His visitation will be Monday, May 30, 2016, 4-8 P.M. Funeral will be Tuesday at 10 A.M at ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Mass at 11 A.M. St. Francis Assisi Church, 247 North St., New Bedford. Burial in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery, 103 Center Street, Bridgewater, MA. www.rock-funeralhome.com for directions/online tributes.