Joseph Monti

MONTI - Joseph, While his entire family and countless individuals who were touched by his warm-hearted generosity mourn Sunday's passing of Joseph Monti, we take solace in knowing that he and his beloved wife Tita leave behind a legacy that will last for generations. Joseph Monti was born in Manhattan, New York, the youngest son of immigrant parents, Domenico and Caroline Pisani Monti. A graduate of the Julliard School of Music, Mr. Monti pursued a career in opera. As a promising young tenor, he appeared on Broadway with many noted entertainers and recorded for Columbia records. In 1943, he met the beautiful Titania Scandalis, a concert pianist and gifted soprano. They were married in 1944. After a successful career in the entertainment industry, Mr. Monti formed the JCJ Restaurant Corporation, followed by the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York. This was the beginning of a passionate 54-year career in the restaurant, hospitality and real estate industry. In 1972, the Montis founded the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation in memory of their 16-year old son Don, who died of Leukemia in June of that year. Completely underwritten by the Montis, the Foundation established the Don Monti Division of Medical Oncology/Hematology at North Shore University Hospital, the largest cancer care, research and education network on Long Island. In 2006, the Foundation formed an alliance with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and established the Tita Monti Cancer Research Laboratory. Mr. Monti served as a trustee of the North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System for more than 30 years and was a member of the Tilles Center Council of Overseers. He was also a Director of the Boy Scouts of America, The Dante Foundation and The Columbus Citizens Foundation. In addition, he was a Knight of the American Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta and a sponsor of the International Committee of Boys Town of Italy. Mr. Monti holds an honorary Doctorate Degree from Long Island University in recognition of his contribution to cancer care, research and philanthropy. A long-time resident of Sands Point, Mr. Monti is survived by his two loving children, Caroline Monti Saladino and Richard Monti; son-in-law Arthur Saladino; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be held at the Fairchild Sons Funeral Home, 1570 Northern Blvd. Manhasset, NY, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, and 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Mary's Church, 1300 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724.