MONTE, JACK JOSEPH "JAKE" Age 98 of Homewood, AL. Born February 16, 1913 in Cardiff, AL. Died February 11, 2012, 5 days before his 99th Birthday.
Jake lived a remarkable life, always surrounded by a loving wife, proud family and friends. He was a wonderful role model and true inspiration to his family. He met his wife, Margaret Ragusa Monte in 1940 at her father's store. They married in 1941. On January 30, 2012 they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. She was the love of his life and the two cared for each other until his death. Their "love story" was recently featured in a hometown paper for Valentine's Day. The two have shared many wonderful memories together and raised a beautiful, loving family. Their love, faithfulness, and strong Catholic faith have been passed on to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jake will forever be remembered for his wisdom, life lessons, magnificent stories, humorous sayings, songs and daily phone calls of TV viewing selections.
Jake was a graduate of Phillips High School. He was a celebrated shortstop in the Italian baseball league. In the 1930's he was a prize fighter, training and managing many, well known Golden Glove Champion boxers in and around the state.
On April 24, 1943 he was inducted in the US Army. Due to his strength and fearlessness, he was chosen for the joint US-Canadian force, the 1st Special Service Force (FSSF) or Black Devils (aka "The Devil's Brigade"/aka "The Men in Baggy Pants"). He was led by WWII's most decorated, General Robert Frederick. His assignments were Heavy Machine & Anti-Tank Gunner, Military Policeman, and Italian Interpreter. He fought in the European Theatre. This included battles and campaigns in North Africa, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Southern France/Central Europe (Monte la Difensa) and Norway. On February 2, 1944, he landed at Anzio, and was in action along Mussolini Canal. He was among the first Allied soldiers to go into Rome on June 4, 1944. For Jake's service, he was awarded the European/African/Middle Eastern Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, many stars, citations, and a declaration of thanks from the King of Norway. His unit is listed on the FSSF plaque in Rome commemorating their part in the liberation of Italy. He was very proud to be honored in the US Congressional Record in the US House of Representatives on August 1, 1984 by Senator Richard Shelby. In 1998, more than 50 years after his service, he was awarded the Canadian Parachute Wings with Silver Maple Leaf (for Valor) from the government of Ottawa, Canada for his efforts in the FSSF. He was a hero to his family and his country. Jake was eager to share his stories and awards with all who visited him. He regularly watched the 1967 film, "The Devil's Brigade", which chronicled the formation, training and combat in Italy of the FSSF.
Upon his return in late 1945, Jake continued his bread delivery business. In 1950 he became a home delivery milkman with White Dairy Milk Co. He is still remembered along his routes in Hueytown and surrounding areas. He retired from White Dairy in 1978. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304 and 4th Degree Knight at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. He was a faithful volunteer to the KC. At OLS he was the oldest usher and oldest volunteer for the 4th of July Festival.
He was preceded in death by his Italian immigrant parents; Concetta and Dominick Monte. His brother, Joe Monte; 2 sisters: Vance Manganaro and Bannie Palilla, and son-in-laws: William Houston Thomas IV and Patrick Miles McNamee, Sr.
Jake is survived by his wife of 71 years - Margaret Ragusa Monte of Homewood, AL, His daughters: Concetta M. Thomas of Hoover, AL; Josephine (Andrew C.) M. Dillon, III of Canton, MS; Marguerite M. McNamee of Hoover, AL; And son: Dominic Joseph (Joan) Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his grandchildren: Pamela Thomas (Robert) Smith of Hoover, AL; Christa Thomas (Bert) Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; William H. Thomas V of Hoover, AL; Aundrea Dillon (Brad) Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA; Dr. Jacqueline Dillon (Representative Paul) DeMarco of Homewood, AL; Margaret Monte Dillon of Houston, TX; Jennifer Shay McNamee of Homewood, AL; Patrick M. (Shannon) McNamee, Jr. of Hoover, AL; Matthew J. Monte and Daniel C. Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his great grandchildren: Rachel A. Salter, Madison L. Salter and Benton H. Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; Noah H.R. Smith and Natalie E. Smith of Hoover, AL; Dillon Joyce Reidenauer and Ryleigh Monte Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA. Other survivors include: his special nephew: C.D."Junior" (Lois) Monte; his special niece: Frances Diliberto; and sister-in-laws: Cecilia Ragusa and Carol Ragusa; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Building Fund, 1728 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 (205-871-8121).
Published in The Birmingham News from February 11 to February 14, 2012.
Jake lived a remarkable life, always surrounded by a loving wife, proud family and friends. He was a wonderful role model and true inspiration to his family. He met his wife, Margaret Ragusa Monte in 1940 at her father's store. They married in 1941. On January 30, 2012 they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. She was the love of his life and the two cared for each other until his death. Their "love story" was recently featured in a hometown paper for Valentine's Day. The two have shared many wonderful memories together and raised a beautiful, loving family. Their love, faithfulness, and strong Catholic faith have been passed on to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jake will forever be remembered for his wisdom, life lessons, magnificent stories, humorous sayings, songs and daily phone calls of TV viewing selections.
Jake was a graduate of Phillips High School. He was a celebrated shortstop in the Italian baseball league. In the 1930's he was a prize fighter, training and managing many, well known Golden Glove Champion boxers in and around the state.
On April 24, 1943 he was inducted in the US Army. Due to his strength and fearlessness, he was chosen for the joint US-Canadian force, the 1st Special Service Force (FSSF) or Black Devils (aka "The Devil's Brigade"/aka "The Men in Baggy Pants"). He was led by WWII's most decorated, General Robert Frederick. His assignments were Heavy Machine & Anti-Tank Gunner, Military Policeman, and Italian Interpreter. He fought in the European Theatre. This included battles and campaigns in North Africa, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Southern France/Central Europe (Monte la Difensa) and Norway. On February 2, 1944, he landed at Anzio, and was in action along Mussolini Canal. He was among the first Allied soldiers to go into Rome on June 4, 1944. For Jake's service, he was awarded the European/African/Middle Eastern Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, many stars, citations, and a declaration of thanks from the King of Norway. His unit is listed on the FSSF plaque in Rome commemorating their part in the liberation of Italy. He was very proud to be honored in the US Congressional Record in the US House of Representatives on August 1, 1984 by Senator Richard Shelby. In 1998, more than 50 years after his service, he was awarded the Canadian Parachute Wings with Silver Maple Leaf (for Valor) from the government of Ottawa, Canada for his efforts in the FSSF. He was a hero to his family and his country. Jake was eager to share his stories and awards with all who visited him. He regularly watched the 1967 film, "The Devil's Brigade", which chronicled the formation, training and combat in Italy of the FSSF.
Upon his return in late 1945, Jake continued his bread delivery business. In 1950 he became a home delivery milkman with White Dairy Milk Co. He is still remembered along his routes in Hueytown and surrounding areas. He retired from White Dairy in 1978. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304 and 4th Degree Knight at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. He was a faithful volunteer to the KC. At OLS he was the oldest usher and oldest volunteer for the 4th of July Festival.
He was preceded in death by his Italian immigrant parents; Concetta and Dominick Monte. His brother, Joe Monte; 2 sisters: Vance Manganaro and Bannie Palilla, and son-in-laws: William Houston Thomas IV and Patrick Miles McNamee, Sr.
Jake is survived by his wife of 71 years - Margaret Ragusa Monte of Homewood, AL, His daughters: Concetta M. Thomas of Hoover, AL; Josephine (Andrew C.) M. Dillon, III of Canton, MS; Marguerite M. McNamee of Hoover, AL; And son: Dominic Joseph (Joan) Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his grandchildren: Pamela Thomas (Robert) Smith of Hoover, AL; Christa Thomas (Bert) Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; William H. Thomas V of Hoover, AL; Aundrea Dillon (Brad) Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA; Dr. Jacqueline Dillon (Representative Paul) DeMarco of Homewood, AL; Margaret Monte Dillon of Houston, TX; Jennifer Shay McNamee of Homewood, AL; Patrick M. (Shannon) McNamee, Jr. of Hoover, AL; Matthew J. Monte and Daniel C. Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his great grandchildren: Rachel A. Salter, Madison L. Salter and Benton H. Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; Noah H.R. Smith and Natalie E. Smith of Hoover, AL; Dillon Joyce Reidenauer and Ryleigh Monte Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA. Other survivors include: his special nephew: C.D."Junior" (Lois) Monte; his special niece: Frances Diliberto; and sister-in-laws: Cecilia Ragusa and Carol Ragusa; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Building Fund, 1728 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 (205-871-8121).
Published in The Birmingham News from February 11 to February 14, 2012.
MONTE, JACK JOSEPH "JAKE" Age 98 of Homewood, AL. Born February 16, 1913 in Cardiff, AL. Died February 11, 2012, 5 days before his 99th Birthday.
Jake lived a remarkable life, always surrounded by a loving wife, proud family and friends. He was a wonderful role model and true inspiration to his family. He met his wife, Margaret Ragusa Monte in 1940 at her father's store. They married in 1941. On January 30, 2012 they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. She was the love of his life and the two cared for each other until his death. Their "love story" was recently featured in a hometown paper for Valentine's Day. The two have shared many wonderful memories together and raised a beautiful, loving family. Their love, faithfulness, and strong Catholic faith have been passed on to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jake will forever be remembered for his wisdom, life lessons, magnificent stories, humorous sayings, songs and daily phone calls of TV viewing selections.
Jake was a graduate of Phillips High School. He was a celebrated shortstop in the Italian baseball league. In the 1930's he was a prize fighter, training and managing many, well known Golden Glove Champion boxers in and around the state.
On April 24, 1943 he was inducted in the US Army. Due to his strength and fearlessness, he was chosen for the joint US-Canadian force, the 1st Special Service Force (FSSF) or Black Devils (aka "The Devil's Brigade"/aka "The Men in Baggy Pants"). He was led by WWII's most decorated, General Robert Frederick. His assignments were Heavy Machine & Anti-Tank Gunner, Military Policeman, and Italian Interpreter. He fought in the European Theatre. This included battles and campaigns in North Africa, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Southern France/Central Europe (Monte la Difensa) and Norway. On February 2, 1944, he landed at Anzio, and was in action along Mussolini Canal. He was among the first Allied soldiers to go into Rome on June 4, 1944. For Jake's service, he was awarded the European/African/Middle Eastern Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, many stars, citations, and a declaration of thanks from the King of Norway. His unit is listed on the FSSF plaque in Rome commemorating their part in the liberation of Italy. He was very proud to be honored in the US Congressional Record in the US House of Representatives on August 1, 1984 by Senator Richard Shelby. In 1998, more than 50 years after his service, he was awarded the Canadian Parachute Wings with Silver Maple Leaf (for Valor) from the government of Ottawa, Canada for his efforts in the FSSF. He was a hero to his family and his country. Jake was eager to share his stories and awards with all who visited him. He regularly watched the 1967 film, "The Devil's Brigade", which chronicled the formation, training and combat in Italy of the FSSF.
Upon his return in late 1945, Jake continued his bread delivery business. In 1950 he became a home delivery milkman with White Dairy Milk Co. He is still remembered along his routes in Hueytown and surrounding areas. He retired from White Dairy in 1978. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304 and 4th Degree Knight at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. He was a faithful volunteer to the KC. At OLS he was the oldest usher and oldest volunteer for the 4th of July Festival.
He was preceded in death by his Italian immigrant parents; Concetta and Dominick Monte. His brother, Joe Monte; 2 sisters: Vance Manganaro and Bannie Palilla, and son-in-laws: William Houston Thomas IV and Patrick Miles McNamee, Sr.
Jake is survived by his wife of 71 years - Margaret Ragusa Monte of Homewood, AL, His daughters: Concetta M. Thomas of Hoover, AL; Josephine (Andrew C.) M. Dillon, III of Canton, MS; Marguerite M. McNamee of Hoover, AL; And son: Dominic Joseph (Joan) Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his grandchildren: Pamela Thomas (Robert) Smith of Hoover, AL; Christa Thomas (Bert) Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; William H. Thomas V of Hoover, AL; Aundrea Dillon (Brad) Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA; Dr. Jacqueline Dillon (Representative Paul) DeMarco of Homewood, AL; Margaret Monte Dillon of Houston, TX; Jennifer Shay McNamee of Homewood, AL; Patrick M. (Shannon) McNamee, Jr. of Hoover, AL; Matthew J. Monte and Daniel C. Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his great grandchildren: Rachel A. Salter, Madison L. Salter and Benton H. Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; Noah H.R. Smith and Natalie E. Smith of Hoover, AL; Dillon Joyce Reidenauer and Ryleigh Monte Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA. Other survivors include: his special nephew: C.D."Junior" (Lois) Monte; his special niece: Frances Diliberto; and sister-in-laws: Cecilia Ragusa and Carol Ragusa; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Building Fund, 1728 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 (205-871-8121).
Published in The Birmingham News from February 11 to February 14, 2012.
Jake lived a remarkable life, always surrounded by a loving wife, proud family and friends. He was a wonderful role model and true inspiration to his family. He met his wife, Margaret Ragusa Monte in 1940 at her father's store. They married in 1941. On January 30, 2012 they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. She was the love of his life and the two cared for each other until his death. Their "love story" was recently featured in a hometown paper for Valentine's Day. The two have shared many wonderful memories together and raised a beautiful, loving family. Their love, faithfulness, and strong Catholic faith have been passed on to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jake will forever be remembered for his wisdom, life lessons, magnificent stories, humorous sayings, songs and daily phone calls of TV viewing selections.
Jake was a graduate of Phillips High School. He was a celebrated shortstop in the Italian baseball league. In the 1930's he was a prize fighter, training and managing many, well known Golden Glove Champion boxers in and around the state.
On April 24, 1943 he was inducted in the US Army. Due to his strength and fearlessness, he was chosen for the joint US-Canadian force, the 1st Special Service Force (FSSF) or Black Devils (aka "The Devil's Brigade"/aka "The Men in Baggy Pants"). He was led by WWII's most decorated, General Robert Frederick. His assignments were Heavy Machine & Anti-Tank Gunner, Military Policeman, and Italian Interpreter. He fought in the European Theatre. This included battles and campaigns in North Africa, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Southern France/Central Europe (Monte la Difensa) and Norway. On February 2, 1944, he landed at Anzio, and was in action along Mussolini Canal. He was among the first Allied soldiers to go into Rome on June 4, 1944. For Jake's service, he was awarded the European/African/Middle Eastern Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, many stars, citations, and a declaration of thanks from the King of Norway. His unit is listed on the FSSF plaque in Rome commemorating their part in the liberation of Italy. He was very proud to be honored in the US Congressional Record in the US House of Representatives on August 1, 1984 by Senator Richard Shelby. In 1998, more than 50 years after his service, he was awarded the Canadian Parachute Wings with Silver Maple Leaf (for Valor) from the government of Ottawa, Canada for his efforts in the FSSF. He was a hero to his family and his country. Jake was eager to share his stories and awards with all who visited him. He regularly watched the 1967 film, "The Devil's Brigade", which chronicled the formation, training and combat in Italy of the FSSF.
Upon his return in late 1945, Jake continued his bread delivery business. In 1950 he became a home delivery milkman with White Dairy Milk Co. He is still remembered along his routes in Hueytown and surrounding areas. He retired from White Dairy in 1978. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304 and 4th Degree Knight at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. He was a faithful volunteer to the KC. At OLS he was the oldest usher and oldest volunteer for the 4th of July Festival.
He was preceded in death by his Italian immigrant parents; Concetta and Dominick Monte. His brother, Joe Monte; 2 sisters: Vance Manganaro and Bannie Palilla, and son-in-laws: William Houston Thomas IV and Patrick Miles McNamee, Sr.
Jake is survived by his wife of 71 years - Margaret Ragusa Monte of Homewood, AL, His daughters: Concetta M. Thomas of Hoover, AL; Josephine (Andrew C.) M. Dillon, III of Canton, MS; Marguerite M. McNamee of Hoover, AL; And son: Dominic Joseph (Joan) Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his grandchildren: Pamela Thomas (Robert) Smith of Hoover, AL; Christa Thomas (Bert) Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; William H. Thomas V of Hoover, AL; Aundrea Dillon (Brad) Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA; Dr. Jacqueline Dillon (Representative Paul) DeMarco of Homewood, AL; Margaret Monte Dillon of Houston, TX; Jennifer Shay McNamee of Homewood, AL; Patrick M. (Shannon) McNamee, Jr. of Hoover, AL; Matthew J. Monte and Daniel C. Monte of Vestavia Hills, AL. He is survived by his great grandchildren: Rachel A. Salter, Madison L. Salter and Benton H. Salter of Vestavia Hills, AL; Noah H.R. Smith and Natalie E. Smith of Hoover, AL; Dillon Joyce Reidenauer and Ryleigh Monte Reidenauer of Abita Springs, LA. Other survivors include: his special nephew: C.D."Junior" (Lois) Monte; his special niece: Frances Diliberto; and sister-in-laws: Cecilia Ragusa and Carol Ragusa; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Building Fund, 1728 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 (205-871-8121).
Published in The Birmingham News from February 11 to February 14, 2012.
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