Michael “Skip” B. Montalbano, 79, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born January 7, 1945, in Rockford the son of Barney J. and Rose A. (Armato) Montalbano. Graduate of East High School, Class of 1963 and Drake University College of Pharmacy, Class of 1968 where he was a member of Kappa Psi Professional Fraternity. His father and uncle owned Auburn Bowl where he joyously spent most of his young life. Skip married Joy Lambert on September 3, 1966. For the last 58 years they have enjoyed traveling together, sharing family experiences and having a ball shopping for everything under the sun. He was a compassionate pharmacist for 43 years, working at several local pharmacies. He was President of Northern Illinois Pharmaceutical Association. Skip also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and loved helping build nine houses in his retirement years. His hobbies were woodworking, remodeling homes, and golfing. He told everyone, thank goodness golf was not his day job. His deepest passion in life was being a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He gave of himself unconditionally. Telling captivating stories, infused with his unique sense of humor, was his natural gift. In fact, as he entered hospice, he shared that if God were to write a book about his life it would most certainly be a comedy. His faith shined through in so many ways; his time in the Word, and in how he cared for people. The family would like to thank OSF Hospice, especially, Brittany, for her wonderful care during his final days.
Survived by his wife, Joy; children, Joanna (Rick) Heffner and Joseph M. (Deva) Montalbano; grandchildren, Jacob Heffner, Ericka Heffner, Bridget Heffner, and Max and Enzo Montalbano; great-grandchildren, Vincent and Leo; sister, Lorraine (Jay) Palm; nephews, Matthew (Natalie) Montalbano and Jayson (Tarrah) Palm; and nieces, Julie (Chad) Frizzell, Melissa (Mike) Payne, five great nephews and nine great nieces. Predeceased by his parents Barney and Rose Montalbano; brother, Krist Montalbano; and nephew, Mark Montalbano.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at First Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford with a visitation prior from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Private burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Pregnancy Care Center or to the family to establish at a later date. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit olsonfh.com.
David Sheets
I am so sorry to learn of Skip's passing. He joioned the 'Reunion Committee' several years ago and offered great insite and volunteered to help in any way he could. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joy and family.
Paul Knopp
It was a sad day to learn of Skip's passing. Through school years he was always a great friend. Great sense of humor and a good listener. He taught us all "how to bowl better"! As a fellow Bulldog, I looked forward to running into him on campus at Drake, if only to catch up a bit.
In later years Skip joined the Reunion Committee and made himself available to help with whatever was needed, no questions asked. We extend our condolences to Joy and his family in their loss of a good man. God Speed, my friend. Paul Knopp
David Sheets
An email from Gene Robinson.......
Dear Classmates: I was very moved when I received the notice of the passing of Skip Montalbano, however I have been so busy with my heavy involvement in National Politics, that I have not been able to take the time to properly address what Skip meant to me during the time that I attended East High School. I played on the E-Rab basketball team for three years, from my Sophomore year through my Senior season, and during that entire period Skip was the manager of our basketball team. So, after I read Dave Sheets' tribute to Skip's involvement with the Reunion Committee, and after I had a recent telephone conversation with Rick Ball, I decided that it was time for me to Remember Skip in my own way. Skip was responsible for everything that was part of my long lasting experience with the E-Rab basketball squad, from home games to as well as away contests... from the Uniforms, to the Warm Up Outfits of jackets and slacks that we wore over the Uniforms to warm up in before games. After every game, home and away, the Uniforms and Warm Ups had to be separately hung up high in the locker room to dry out before they were cleaned. And, it was Skip's responsibility to make sure that all the team equipment, including all the equipment above and beyond Uniforms, was perfectly stored away until needed for our next game. I always came to Completely Appreciate what Skip meant to us, as he was always totally businesslike, making sure that Nothing Was Left To Chance. In closing, let me say that I am sorry that it took me so long to write this Tribute to the Most Invaluable member of the East Rockford E-Rab basketball team back then, Skip Montalbano... FOR WHAT HE DID FOR ALL OF US THAT LEFT SUCH AN INDELIBLE MARK THAT I REMEMBER AFTER ALL THESE YEARS! GOD Bless- Gene Robinson
Jim Duhigg
Mike was a wonderful human being. He would converse with you on just about any topic and he always was interested in your life and what you had been up to.........Jim Duhigg