Welcome to the memorial page for
Dr. Samuel J. Montalto Jr.
October 11, 1959 ~ March 4, 2017 (age 57) 57 Years OldShare Tribute:
Dr. Samuel John Montalto, Jr., 57, of Westerly, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 4, 2017 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on October 11, 1959, he was the son of Virginia (Grispino) Montalto of Pleasant Street and the late Samuel J. Montalto, Sr., owner of the Crystal Barber Shop. He is survived by his loving wife Deborah and their three children.
Sam was well-known throughout the community as an optometrist at Coastal Eye Associates. After graduating Westerly High School in 1977, he proceeded to earn his B.S. in Pharmacy and later his M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. Upon graduation, Sam worked at Granite Drugs, Inc. while continuing his education at New England College of Optometry, where he proceeded to earn his O.D. in May of 1988. He began practicing with Coastal Eye Associates the following year and worked there until his passing. In his time as an eye doctor, he was affiliated with the American Optometric Association and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island Eye Care Advisory Committee. He was also a member of the Rhode Island Optometric Association, serving as President of from 1998-1999 after previously serving on its Board of Directors for numerous years.
In addition to practicing locally, Sam was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force Reserves, most recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a member of the 439th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, serving at Westover Air Reserve Base from 2010 until his death.
Not only was Sam committed to his country but also his community and Church. He was a member of the Pawcatuck Lions Club, both the Westerly Public Library and Westerly Hospital Boards of Incorporators, and was one of the trustees for the Church of the Immaculate Conception for the last 15 years. He enjoyed playing tennis throughout his life as well as sailing, kayaking, going to the beach and spending time with his family. He was a proud and loving husband and father.
Besides his wife Debbie and children, Catherine, Emily and Sam, Sam leaves behind his mother Virginia; his brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Barbara Montalto and their children, Zachary and Dylan; his brother Christopher and his sons Ethan and Christian; his father and mother-in-law Gardner and Ruth Werking; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Calling hours will be Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 4-8pm at Buckler- Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly, RI 02891. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 10 at 10am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 111 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891. Family and friends are welcome to meet directly at the church for the mass. Entombment will follow immediately after the mass at St. Sebastian Cemetery in Westerly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St. Michael Catholic School, 63 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 or the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com
Sam was well-known throughout the community as an optometrist at Coastal Eye Associates. After graduating Westerly High School in 1977, he proceeded to earn his B.S. in Pharmacy and later his M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. Upon graduation, Sam worked at Granite Drugs, Inc. while continuing his education at New England College of Optometry, where he proceeded to earn his O.D. in May of 1988. He began practicing with Coastal Eye Associates the following year and worked there until his passing. In his time as an eye doctor, he was affiliated with the American Optometric Association and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island Eye Care Advisory Committee. He was also a member of the Rhode Island Optometric Association, serving as President of from 1998-1999 after previously serving on its Board of Directors for numerous years.
In addition to practicing locally, Sam was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force Reserves, most recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a member of the 439th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, serving at Westover Air Reserve Base from 2010 until his death.
Not only was Sam committed to his country but also his community and Church. He was a member of the Pawcatuck Lions Club, both the Westerly Public Library and Westerly Hospital Boards of Incorporators, and was one of the trustees for the Church of the Immaculate Conception for the last 15 years. He enjoyed playing tennis throughout his life as well as sailing, kayaking, going to the beach and spending time with his family. He was a proud and loving husband and father.
Besides his wife Debbie and children, Catherine, Emily and Sam, Sam leaves behind his mother Virginia; his brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Barbara Montalto and their children, Zachary and Dylan; his brother Christopher and his sons Ethan and Christian; his father and mother-in-law Gardner and Ruth Werking; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Calling hours will be Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 4-8pm at Buckler- Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly, RI 02891. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 10 at 10am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 111 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891. Family and friends are welcome to meet directly at the church for the mass. Entombment will follow immediately after the mass at St. Sebastian Cemetery in Westerly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St. Michael Catholic School, 63 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379 or the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com
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