NATICK: Francis Joseph Montagna, age 76, a lifelong resident of Natick, died on Tuesday afternoon, March 3, 2014, at the MetroWest Medical Center in Natick after a long illness. He was the devoted husband of Eleanor M. (Bater) Montagna for 46 years.
Born on April 13, 1937, he was a son of the late Sylvestro and Egidia (DeFillippi) Montagna. Fran started working with his Dad at the W.J. Hamilton Drilling and Blasting Company of Wellesley while in his teens. He became employed full time with the company immediately after his graduating from Natick High School with the Class of 1955.
He was the father of two by an earlier marriage, Andrea Montagna Willis and Joseph Montagna.
Fran and Ellie married in 1968 and made a home in Natick to raise a family. In 1971, the same year they welcomed a son, Fran started work with P.J. Maffei Building Wrecking Company in Ashland. He spent the next 25 years specializing in demolition and asbestos removal. After his retirement, Fran worked with Carpentry Shop at Newton-Wellesley Hospital until his 70th birthday. The Montagna’s enjoyed vacationing in Maine for many years, most often in the York-Wells area. Fran followed area sports teams, did a lot of reading and more recently, joined Ellie in watching their grandson during the day.
He is survived by Ellie; their son, Michael Montagna of Natick; a daughter, Gina M. Montagna and her partner Will Creighton of Framingham; a grandson, Shane Creighton; a sister, Eva Tota and husband Stephen of Bellingham; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Montagna of Ashland. His bother Robert, with whom he worked for many years, predeceased him.
Relatives and friends may visit with the Montagna Family at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Wednesday, March 12th from 4 – 7p.m. There will be no public funeral service. In lieu of flowers, Fran’s family asks that you donate to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA02451 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.