Paul J. Montalbano, Sr.

Paul J. Montalbano, Sr., 80, of Lake Charles died Sunday, January 09, 2011 in a local hospital.

Mr. Montalbano was a native of St. Louis, MO and had been a resident of Lake Charles since 1934. He attended Forth Ward School, Central School and was a graduate of Lake Charles High School. He attended Loyola University of New Orleans. He retired as operations manager of Motion Industries after more than 42 years of service. Mr. Montalbano was an Army Korean War veteran, having served in the Seventh Signal Company of the Seventh Infantry Division. He was a life time member of St. Margaret's Council 3208 Knights of Columbus and was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church where he was responsible for counting the offerings for over fifty years and served as a Eucharistic Minister for 12 years. In 1969 he was the recipient of the Bishop's Medal for Devoted Service awarded by His Excellency Bishop Maurice Schexnayder of the Diocese of Lafayette.

He leaves to honor his memory, three sons, Paul J. Montalbano, Jr., Patrick Montalbano and wife Vicky, both of Lake Charles and Michael J. Montalbano and wife Jennifer of Many, LA; two daughters, Pamela Ann Manceaux and husband Steve and Mary Julia Bradley and husband Don, both of Lake Charles; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and two sisters, Catherine Navarra of Lake Charles and Joanne "GiGi" Roundtree of Whitehouse,TX.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Betty Armentor Montalbano; his dear friend, Rubye Carolyn Stewart and two great- grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 12, 2011 in St. Margaret Catholic Church. Reverend Aubrey Guilbeaux will officiate. Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation Tuesday will be from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a scripture service and rosary beginning at 6:30 PM. Visitation Wednesday will be from 8:00 AM until 10:30 AM in the funeral home.

Mr. Montalbano's family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff of 4th tower Oncology of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and especially to Deena and Neil for their excellence in care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, One Lakeshore Drive, Suite 1585, Lake Charles, LA, 70629 or a charity of choice.