Carmelo Anthony Montero

Carmelo Anthony "Tony" Montero, 90, born on May 14, 1929, in New York, NY, passed away February 26, 2020 in his home in Cerritos, California with his family at his side. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud "Papa."


He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marianela Montero, and their five children -- Yvonne M. Hanzen and her husband, Martin Hanzen; Mark A. Montero and his wife, Victoria Montero; Michael L. Montero and his wife Alisa Montero; Joseph C. Montero and his wife Rebecca Montero; and Anthony R. Montero. He is also survived by twelve (12) grandchildren: Joseph Hanzen, and his wife Kate Butcher Hanzen; Angela Hanzen, and her partner Joseph Lemoine; Amanda Hanzen Barr, and her husband Kevin Barr; Michelle Montero; Justine Montero; Jonathan Montero; Tiffany Montero Moreno, and her husband Charley Moreno; Nicolasa Montero; Ryan Chacon; Kylie Chacon; Troy Montero' and Luke Montero. He was preceded in death by one grandchild, Nichole Montero. He enjoyed seven (7) great grandchildren: Bay Hanzen, Joon Hanzen, Sadie Lemoine, Joseph Cole Lemoine, Grace Hanzen Barr, Benjamin Hanzen Barr and Brody Hanzen Barr.


Tony was raised in New York City by his mother Nicolasa Crespo, who preceded him in death. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. When he returned from the war, he married the love of his life and eventually moved to Los Angeles County, California where he resided for over fifty-five (55) years. He worked as a warehouseman for Barker Brothers Furniture for over thirty (30) years until his retirement in 1991.


He loved and enjoyed his family, camping, spending time outdoors, and playing canasta. He was a great dancer and the life of the party. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends.


Services will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at his Catholic parish for over fifty-five (55) years, Holy Family in Artesia, California. The services will begin at 9:15 a.m. with a viewing, followed by a Rosary, his funeral mass, and interment


Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California, where he will be buried.