Rocco Anthony Montani

Rocco Anthony Montani was born in Youngstown, OH on July 18, 1927, to Anthony Carmen Montani and Jane Elizabeth (nee Little) Montani. Rocco was a 3rd generation Italian-American; his paternal grandparents immigrated to American from Italy in the early 1880s and he was very proud of his Italian Heritage. He and his younger sister, Jean, grew up in Youngstown, OH. His family relocated to the small town of Las Vegas, NM in Rocco’s Senior Year of High School. Like most teenagers, Rocco and his sister were reluctant to leave their friends and things familiar to them. But it turned out fine as they were the interesting new kids at their new school and from the big city of Youngstown.

After graduating from high school, Rocco joined the Army. Most of his time in the service was spent in Japan. After he was discharged from the service, he attended Denver University and obtained a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. His first job after he received his degree was at the iconic Du-Par’s Restaurant in Hollywood, CA which is still in operation to this day. Rocco loved God and his family, and he had a zest for life. God rewarded him with a long & full life. He loved his family and friends and he lived life to its fullest. He had great appreciation for the arts. He loved music. As a teenager he loved Big Band Music especially the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He also had a deep appreciation for classical music, opera, and theatre. Rocco loved football and was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. He watched football faithfully every week and greatly missed watching the sport when it was not football season. Rocco loved people, especially children. They in return loved him. He never had an enemy. He was the kindest man you would ever know. Rocco enjoyed telling stories and was an excellent storyteller. He had a wide array of stories for almost any occasion. Everyone loved Rocco’s stories, especially his grandchildren. Rocco will be missed by everyone who knew him. But especially by his family. Rocco was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Jane Montani, and his sister, Jean Hoover. Rocco is survived by many who loved and adored him: Wife Gracie Montani, Daughter, Martha (Rich) Bates and grandson Donald Bates; Son, Guy Rocco (Gloria) Montani and granddaughters Aubrey (Matt) Burkett and Christy Hallett; Pat Montani, mother of Martha & Guy and 5 great-grandchildren. Stepdaughters, Barbara (Dave) Davenport, Sherri (Karl) Zehr, and Wanda (Johnnie) Tyus. Stepsons Les (Charity) Rhynard, Adam (Mimi) Rhynard, and Paul Rhynard; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to one of the following: 

AZ Military Family Relief Fund (qualifies for AZ tax credit)

https://dvs.az.gov/donate/military-family-relief-fund-2025

The Gary Senise Foundation garysenisefoundation.org

or the charity of your choice.