Gregory Montagnoli

January 20, 1921 - March 3, 2022

OBITUARY - Gregory Montagnoli: January 20, 1921 (Camden, New Jersey) - March 03, 2022 (American Fork, Utah). Gregory Montagnoli “Grandpa” passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his closest loved ones - March 3, 2022, at the age of 101. One of the last of the Greatest Generation, this strong Italian-American WWII Veteran leaves behind a great legacy of courage, determination, and patriotism. Born January 20, 1921 to Italian immigrants in Camden, New Jersey, “Grandpa” was the oldest of four children born to Domenica and Francesco Montagnoli. Gregory learned from a young age what it meant to be a hard worker. A child of the Great Depression, industrious Gregory helped support his younger siblings, Stella, Angelina, and Frankie - by selling goat milk, rabbits, shuttling ferry boats, and working odd jobs in their Italian community of Penns Grove, NJ. His vast military career began as a youth in the Civil Conservation Corps building barracks, before enlisting in the US Airforce after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served throughout the US, Central America, and the Caribbean during and after WWII, working as a combat engineer, MP, and interpreter. A recognized sharpshooter and Golden Glove Boxing Champion for his lightweight class, Gregory Montagnoli was a serious military man who prided himself in hard work and discipline. After WWII he re-enlisted in the US Army, which altered the course of his life. While stationed at Dougway Proving Ground, UT, Gregory met his future wife, a farm girl from Panguitch, UT - Ramona LeFevre, whom he lovingly referred to as “Tone”. He was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 7th, 1952. Shortly thereafter, on November 29th, 1952, they were married in Panguitch, UT. In their early years, he was active duty in Greenland and NewFoundland, and they lovingly corresponded through letters. Grandpa frequently reported to his “honey” that he was “doing fine” - much as he did until the end of his life. Gregory and Ramona eventually settled in Provo, UT. Unable to have children of their own, they had the blessing of having their niece Sherry Harbertson spend memorable summers in their loving care. The joy of their lives occurred when they adopted a baby girl of their own, Mary Dean Montagnoli (born August 11, 1964); they were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple May 6, 1966. Their family was complete, when they were able to adopt a son, Clifford Gregory Montagnoli (born August 3, 1966). Ramona did the “women work” and “Grandpa” took great pride in providing for his family. He retired from the Utah National Guard, and he worked 30 years at Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe Company, where he retired in the early 1980s. He continued working at Powder River and IBM until the age of 80 - when an unfortunate incident led him to his most cherished season of life. In 2001, “Grandpa” dropped his stern military demeanor and found his sweet side - when he came to live with his son Cliff and his family in Lake Stevens, WA … then later moved with them to American Fork, UT. His two granddaughters - Francesca (Mullins) and Lucia (Pollock) found their way into his heart; their love and service changed him forever. Still stubborn and independent, “Grandpa” continued to work. He enjoyed gardening (roses were his favorite), taking long walks, watching over the family dogs (Annie and later Sammie) and chatting with neighbors. When asked the secret to a long life, he always said “not thinking too much.” The rest of us are convinced it was his love of work, hostess cupcakes, spaghetti, hamburgers, and pizza. At 95, he stopped gardening and shoveling the sidewalks but very much still “looked after the place.” He loved clocks and watches, the American flag, collecting coins, hats, eating at Cracker Barrel, reading the newspaper, watching Italian TV, and he always wore an American flag pin. He was a walking history lesson and loved sharing what he knew; most of it was true. Even in his old age, he was always thinking about and caring for his children- especially his daughter Mary. Oh, how he loved Mary! They went out every week for lunch at Jims and would spend countless hours chatting on the phone. Even at 101 years old he was concerned that she made it home before dark on days she came to visit. “Grandpa” was resilient! He fought pneumonia so many times, suffered a few horrible falls and other bouts of illness, but he left this mortal world when he was ready and not a moment sooner. His family was the light of his life and kept him young. He loved to dance with the girls, make faces at the dinner table, and spoil them with gifts from the military base. He always waited for them - be it on missions, for their weddings, or the birth of grandchildren; he stayed alive for them. “Grandpa” will always be remembered for his warm smile, few (and many) words, and joking manner. He is preceded in death by all his family and survived by his daughter Mary, son Clifford Montagnoli (Martha), granddaughters Francesca Mullins (Rhett), Lucia Pollock (Patrick), and great-grandsons (Avi and Luke). The family is forever grateful to his medical team of angels who provided amazing care the last years of his life. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 12th, at 10:30 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3785 West Box Elder Drive (4000 North), Pleasant Grove, Utah, where a Family Visitation will be held prior to services from 9:30 to 10:15 am. Interment with Military Honors in Panguitch City Cemetery at 4:00 pm.