Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden

2300 Whitney Avenue

Hamden, Connecticut

Enzo Montesi Obituary

MONTESI, ENZO R. Enzo Rudolph Montesi, age 85, of Hamden, passed away on February 26, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. Enzo was born in New Haven on May 2, 1927 to the late Olympio and Bruna Antonetti Montesi. Enzo is survived by his wife of 61 years, Irene Wynne Montesi; his son Gary E. Montesi and his wife Lisa of Guilford; his daughters Claudia M. Cruz of Wallingford and Gail M. Siclari and her husband John of Madison. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Michael M. Cruz and his wife Laura of Orange, Mark S. Cruz of North Haven, Christopher L. and Olivia L. Montesi of Guilford and his great grandson Evan W. Cruz of Orange and his former son-in-law, Arthur M. Cruz. He is also survived by his sister Norma Bernacchia of North Haven, his brother Edward Montesi and his wife Rosemarie of Wallingford and his brother Ricardo Montesi of Hamden. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Marlene Montesi & his brother-in-law Nullo Bernacchia. Enzo was a member of the United States Marine Corp. and a World War II Veteran. He was a graduate of the first class of Fairfield University. He was the owner and president of Montesi Volkswagen of North Haven, founding the company in 1964. He was a member of the Greater New Haven Automobile Dealers Association, the Amity Club, past president of the Marchigiana Society and a member of the Board of Directors of the former American National Bank. Enzo was a philanthropic person in particular with generous donations to the former Newington Children's Hospital, the Amity Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund and a major benefactor to St. Raphael's Hospital. His funeral will leave from BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave, Hamden. Friends may also visit with his family on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Beaverdale Memorial Park Mausoleum in New Haven. Contributions in Enzo's memory may be sent to CT Hospice Inc, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. To send a condolence in his memory please see: www.beecherandbennett.com



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register from Feb. 27 to Mar. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Enzo Montesi

Not sure what to say?





Rob Schron

February 21, 2023

Have never forgotten Enzo and the many contributions he made to the growth and development of the automobile industry in general and Volkswagen in particular, Simply put, he helped pioneer VW and, in the process, made it a major brand. Equally, if not more importantly, he was a gracious and generous man.

Rob Schron

February 22, 2021

Of all the people I was fortunate to know in the automobile business during my years with Volkswagen, nobody was more kind and considerate than Enzo Montesi and I will always remember him for his advice and counsel and, simply put, for being a nice guy.

Jayne O'Donnell

March 5, 2013

Gail, Gary, Claudia and Mrs. Montesi, I was so sad to hear about your Dad and husband. I have such great memories of him at the house in the old Dunbar Hill neighborhood. He was the first business owner I actually knew and he showed that it could be done with class, integrity, personality and, yes, some good humor. He leaves behind an enviable legacy with his great family and business. Many condolences from my family there - and down here.

March 2, 2013

Gary and family, So sorry about Enzo. He was a mentor to me when I started my career with Stu Savelle. I will never forget him. Ken Crowley Crowley Auto Group

Siobhan Matsagas

March 2, 2013

Gail, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Dr. Ed Goglia

March 2, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Montesi family for their loss. Enzo was an icon and an inspiration to many of us and will always be remembered.

frank nappi

March 1, 2013

Gail & John,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Dad,
Cynthia and Frank Nappi

March 1, 2013

Claudia, Gail and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May you find peace knowing your father is now resting. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Frank and Judy Coppola

Debbie & Bill Marcello & Children

March 1, 2013

We are so sorry to learn of Enzo's passing. We all couldn't wait to visit with him each year at Mom's house (Betty Rivers). I especially loved all the great times I spent with Enzo. We had endless conversations in english and Italian. It also touched my heart how he enjoyed my children and grandson. We will miss him a lot. Our condolences to the Montesi family.

Debbie Marcello, Orlando, FL

Drew Fitchett

March 1, 2013

My deepest condolances to Mr. Montesi's family. We lost one of those few men who worked so hard day after day to build a successful Volkswagen dealership that provided for so many families. The entire VW family lost one of it's best ambassators. My God bless him.

March 1, 2013

A Donation in the memory of Enzo Rudolph Montesi has been made to the CT Hospice from John Miele and your friends at Volkswagen Credit. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Montesi. Our prayers and thoughts are with your at this time.

Craig Stahl

February 28, 2013

Gary & Family, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He was a landmark in the automobile community of the Hew Haven area.

Barry Boardman

February 28, 2013

As a member of the VWoA and World Wide VW Servoce Team, I remember Enzio wirh many fond memories of visiting a dealershop of very high business integrity with high quality leadership from Mr. Monresi and his family. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May he rest in-peace in the Lords Arms.

Bill Sewell

February 28, 2013

I am so sorry to learn of Enzo's passing. He was truly a Great guy, a real gentleman and terrific host. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. My condolences to the entire Montesi family.

Rob Schron

February 28, 2013

A gentleman and a true leader and someone whose memory I will always treasure. May he rest in peace.

Russ Hovick

February 28, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wesley Wheaton Jr

February 28, 2013

To the Montesi Family ,
Im sorry to hear of Enzos passing. My parents owned the Tremont Motel on Derby ave in West Haven in the 70s . Enzo was well respected in the "old neighborhood". we lost another special friend in the buiness owners in that area. Please accept my familys condolences on your loss .

Ron and Fran Ruggiero

February 28, 2013

To Claudia and family,
My deepest sympathy to all in the loss of your dad. He will be remembered by everyone who knew him, a man of great respect. In sympathy and friendship

Ken and Reyna Harrison

February 28, 2013

Condolences to Irene and the whole family. Enzo's smiling face and pleasant personality will be missed by all his neighbors in Canterbury.

CHUCKIE DECHELLO

February 28, 2013

MRS.M, GARY, CLAUDIA, GAIL.
LOVED MR M. HE WAS A TRUE LEADER AND TEACHER. HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.

STEVEN SALINGER

February 28, 2013

MY SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THE MONTESSI FAMILY.ENZO WAS A GIANT AMONG VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS. I HAD THE PRIVILIGE OF CALLING ON HIM FOR MANY YRS AS A PARTS AND SALES REP FROM WORLD WIDE VOLKSWAGEN.I LEARNED ALOT FROM HIM ABOUT THE BUSINESS HE RAN AND THE CARS HE LOVED. GOD BLESS.

As the sun sets in our realm, it rises on another.

JOHN KOZAK

February 27, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived, he was a man who held high standards. He will be missed by many.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Make a Donation
in Enzo Montesi's name

Memorial Events
for Enzo Montesi

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden

2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518

How to support Enzo's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Enzo Montesi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more