Joseph Anthony Montagano

Joseph Anthony "Papa Joe" Montagano, 61, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Joe was born Feb. 3, 1950 in Elkhart, IN to Anthony P. "Casey" and Pauline "Dolly" (Lambo) Montagano. On August 19, 1972, he married his high-school sweetheart, Jeannie Kirkby Montagano. Joe and Jeannie went on their fist date at age 16 and never looked back. His memory will live on through his two sons, Michael (Bethany) Montagano, Christopher (fiancé Greta) Montagano, and his soon-to-be-born grandson. He continues to be loved by his big sister, Riesie Montagano Stern – they were inseparable since the day he was born. He took great pride in his sons and future grandson, adored his daughter-in-laws, and loved his many cousins. He was a father figure for his nephews/niece (Matthew, Jon, JT, Jennifer, and Jason) and numerous friends of the family, as well as a loving and supporting brother-in-law to Suzanne White and Robin Hansell. He greeted everyone with a huge hug, large grin, and his homemade meatball and sausage sandwiches. He was extremely generous and accepting of everyone – he always focused on their best qualities and was never judgmental. He was committed, determined, and relentless in every aspect of his life. He graduated in 1968 from Elkhart High School, where he was a member of the State Championship wrestling team. He received a B.S. in finance from Ohio University and a M.B.A. from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, graduating with the highest distinction. Joe was a very successful, hardworking, and energetic entrepreneur and business executive. He started his career at a large national construction company, Concrete Forms, where we became the Vice President of Finance at the age of 26. He went on to become President of Riverpark; President/CEO of Microsphere; President/CEO of Productivity Point International; and President/CEO of Signal Learning, Inc. He concluded his career as the President/CEO of Go IT Training, LLC, working through his final day. He loved his employees and co-workers, serving as a mentor and father figure to many. He enjoyed traveling and did so extensively with his family, from Africa to Asia to South America and throughout Europe. He found peace and serenity in reading the Bible every morning in his backyard by his Koi pond. Joe was active at St. John's Episcopal Church; a member of Elcona Country Club; and had his Private Pilots License. He was an avid stock trader and lover of new technology – he always had the newest cell phone, television, and speaker system. He was a phenomenal cook, was an avid runner (he ran the Chicago Marathon), and enjoyed snow skiing trips to Colorado with his son, Christopher. He loved Notre Dame football tailgates/games, taking his son, Michael, to nearly every game since he was 5 years old. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home in Elkhart. The service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2011 at St. John's the Episcopal Church, Elkhart. Father Daniel Repp of St. John's Episcopal Church will officiate.