Joe S. Montano, Jr. was born on November 29, 1946, in Long Beach, California, as the only son of Joe & Mary Montano. Joe grew up in Torrance and attended Stephen White Junior High and Narbonne High School. At the age of 18, he married Juanita G. Flores (Janie) and began his career in construction.

Joe and Juanita built a life filled with love, faith, fun and devotion to their family. They had four children: Marlene, Michelle, Melissa & Joe, Jr. They bought their first home in Torrance, their second home in Fountain Valley, before moving to their home in Norco in 1976 where they raised their family. The couple enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

Joe was a heavy equipment operator and proud member of Operating Engineers Local 12 from 1977 until his retirement. Over the years, he worked his way up from heavy equipment operator to foreman, eventually becoming a superintendent. He worked at the Port of Long Beach for  20+ years. Joe took great pride in his work. Many of his family members followed in his footsteps in construction, including his daughter, Melissa,  son, Joe, Jr. and grandson, Joseph.

Joe was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2025. He was 78 years old. Joe is survived by his beautiful wife, Juanita, his children, Marlene Weyhgandt (John) of Corona; Michelle Montano of Corona; Melissa McIntire (Eric) of Norco and Joe Montano, Jr., (Rosechelle) of Pahrump, NV, along with 8 grandchildren, Courtney, Dani, Joseph, Moriah, Jeremiah, Karissa, JT & Seth and 5 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Isaiah, Mila, Barrett and Liam, along with his two sisters, Tonie Galvan of Orange and Dorothy Bisbee of Overton, NV and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe & Mary Montano of Los Lunas, NM.

Joe was the rock of his family! His dad even nicknamed him Rock! He was a strong, disciplined man who took pride in working hard and providing for his family. He instilled a strong work ethic in his family. He also had a great sense of humor and loved playing tricks on others. He enjoyed sports, riding horses, home improvements, camping, tinkering in his garage, working on his ’56 Ford truck, serving in ministry and helping his family & friends. In retirement, Joe enjoyed time spent with his wife, Juanita, their children, and grandchildren. He was also a kind, generous man who was dearly loved by many.

Joe Montano is deeply missed. Though their hearts ache in his absence, his family finds comfort in knowing he is now at peace, completely healed, in the presence of the Lord, and will one day be reunited with him in heaven.

Celebration of Life for Joe S. Montano, Jr. is being held at 11:30 am at Harvest Christian Fellowship, 6115 Arlington Ave., Riverside

On behalf of Joe Montano’s family, thank you for the outpouring of love, prayers & support during this very emotional & difficult time. Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.everloved.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Joe’s memorial page via social media.

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