Joseph John Monte, Jr.

Joseph John Monte Jr., age 83, of Venice Florida and formerly of Southwest Philadelphia and Morton Pennsylvania passed away peacefully January 16^th after a valiant battle with many health issues. He won his battles against stage 4 lung cancer and neck cancer surviving five wonderful years. Sadly he lost his last fight due to complications from radiation therapy five years ago. Vocal cord paralysis developed this past year and ultimately recurring lung infections is what he succumbed too.

Joseph was a graduate of John Bartram High School, class of 1958. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Kathleen Marie. Their marriage grew and blossomed to over 53 years of true inseparable love. Together they were the proudest parents of three boys, Gerard, Steven and Christopher. Their first child, Linda Marie sadly passed away shortly after childbirth. And in 2013, Joseph lost the love of his life Kathleen to a valiant battle with cancer.

Joseph’s successful career spanned many decades as a licensed cosmetologist as well as maintaining and active teaching license in the profession. He was the owner operator of many hair salons throughout the region including a salon in Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia and for many years in Delaware County including Golden Shears and Super Hair. Joseph served proudly in the United States Military, which he spoke often about his time spent in the Army. Joseph carried his strong faith with him wherever he went. He was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and many other parish’s. And yes very proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus with the status of fourth degree knighthood.

Joseph’s hobbies were many. He lit up the ballroom in his best clothes, dancing was his passion. He grew the freshest vegetables and flowers in his gardens and cooked with great pride. He loved his residences at the beaches including Circlewoods Venice Florida and Bayberry Cove in Marmora New Jersey. Moose and Elk’s clubs were a staple for him. He was always on the lookout for yard sales and good deals. Joseph was high on life wherever he went.

Joseph adored his children and grandchildren. “Poppy” as he was known cherished every waking moment spent with his grandkids and always there doing the kindest things for them. Later in life, after Kathleen’s passing, Joseph met his very dear friend Joanne Cacci. What started as a friendship of common bond, blossomed into a beautiful relationship that lasted many years. Together Joseph and Joanne rocked the dance floors all the way from the Jersey shore to Florida. But most of all, Joanne gave Joseph the love of being part of a family. Joseph’s love for Gerard, Steven and Christopher was immeasurable. His relationship with his children was a bond of unconditional love that will never be underestimated.

Joseph loved constant interaction with people, and anyone was instantly drawn to his sincere warmth and charismatic personality. Joseph opened up his heart and doors to everyone and wanted this to be his legacy. Forever loved in our hearts and minds, Dad, you will be dearly missed.

Survivors: Loving father of Gerard of Chadds Ford PA; Steven (Amy) of Springfield PA; and Christopher Monte of Springfield, PA. Cherished grandfather of Kathleen, Michael, Isabella and Sophia. Brother Thomas Monte of Glenolden PA; sister Rosalie Monte McHugh of Florida.

Preceded in death by his parents Joseph Sr. and Amelia Monte, his beloved wife Kathleen Monte and brother Richard Monte.

Relatives and friends are invited to Joseph’s Life Celebration on Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm at Knoetgen-Donohue Funeral Home 746 Kedron Ave., Morton, PA 19070 and on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 9 to 10 am at Knoetgen-Donohue Funeral Home 746 Kedron Ave., Morton, PA 19070. Mass of Christian burial will follow 10:30 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Ave., Morton, Pa 19070.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Contributions: In lieu of flowers a donation in Joseph’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Condolences: To share your fondest memories of Joseph, please visit www.donohuefuneralhome .com