Frank G. Montera, age 74, a long time Colorado music educator, passed away on January 16, 2013.
Frank Guy Montera was born on November 23, 1938 in Canon City, Colorado to Frank and Angelina (Scarafiotti) Montera.
Frank graduated from Aguilar High School, completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Western State College, earned a Master’s degree in music education from Adams State College and went on to get his administrators certification from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
Montera was music director at Walsenburg High School (now John Mall) for 11 years where he taught band, choir, general music and jazz band. He then became the director of bands and orchestras at Palmer High School, where he stayed for10 years before taking on the job of music supervisor/coordinator for Colorado Springs School District 11. Frank provided oversight for the district’s music program and curriculum until his retirement in 1998. Montera also served as President of the Colorado Music Administrators, President of the Colorado Bandmasters Association, and President of the Colorado Music Educators Association. He continued to teach music courses at Pikes Peak Community College until his last day on this earth. All told, Frank Montera loved being a music educator for 52 years.
Frank was very proud to have been inducted into the Colorado Band Masters Hall of Fame, the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame, the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame, and most recently, the Adams State University Hall of Fame.
Frank enjoyed playing music with friends and colleagues, and being with his children and grandchildren. He also cherished the time spent with his wife in Cripple Creek, Colorado. He will be missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Joan; son, Doug Montera; daughter, Marlo Horsford; son-in-law, Jason Horsford; daughter-in-law, Nancy Montera; grandchildren: Jack, Luca, Tuscany, and Allie; mother, Angelina Montera; sister, Roberta Montera; brothers, Paul and David Montera; brothers-in-law, Luis and Frank Coppa; sisters-in-law, Karen Montera, Teresa Montera, Lizzy Hardy and Philomena Coppa; as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2013 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church. A Rosary will be said at 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral Mass. A reception will be held following services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Palmer High School Music Department in care of Palmer High School, 301 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. The Palmer band always had a special place in Frank’s heart.