Philip G. Monticello

Ripley: Philip G. Monticello, 91, retired well known local barber, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025 at his residence in Ripley.
Phil was born on August 7, 1934 to Theodore (Dominic) Monticello and Vienna (Maki) Monticello. He attended Catholic school in Hancock through 8th grade and graduated from Hancock High School with the class of 1953. He served in the United States Navy in 1956 and 1957. On April 29, 1961 he married Judy Kangas/Ryan. In 1962 they moved to the Detroit area where Phil attended Greene's Barber College. He and his wife lived in Royal Oak for 10 years while he worked as a barber. Their three children were born in Royal Oak. In 1971 Phil and family returned to Hancock where he and his cousin Eugene Monticello, owned and operated Gentlemen's Choice Barber Shop for over 40 years. Phil was always willing to help friends and neighbors with projects. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready to tease someone or tll one of his many jokes.
Phil lived in Ripley and was a member of the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department. He loved golfing at the Calumet Golf Course, and playing hockey and baseball in his younger years. He was an avid Detroit Lion and Detroit Tiger fan.
Phil is survived by his wife, Judy; a son Michael (Ann Marie) of Longmont, CO and their children Connor and Parker; a daughter Laura (Dale) Verran of Hancock and children Christopher and Robert Leer; a son Gerry (Patti) of Rapid River and their children Ashleigh and Philip; sisters Carol Wilson of Dollar Bay and Linda (Craig) Halbert of Brighton; and by several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Layla and Luca Rivera; and step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jessica (Raymone) Gude and children Lynn and Logan, Andrew (Meghan) Verran and daughter Paisley, Nicholas (Marissa) Verran, and Krystin (Carl) Wilson and son Thomas.
Preceding his in death were his parents and a beloved granddaughter, Linzy Monticello.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. at the O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock on Thursday, October 16, 2025 with Deacon Martin Thompson to officiate. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton with the Copper Country Veterans Association conducting military honors. Friends may call at the O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home for an hour before services.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Tunnel of Towers Foundation.
The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com
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