Joseph De Monte

Born April 7, 1937, in the Bronx, NY, the eldest son of Italian immigrants, Dad left us on January 12 near 5:00 pm. As we would expect, he departed on his own terms no matter the wishes or direction of medical experts, nor family or friends, and truly on his own terms.   

A big man, he was never able to be involved in life in a small way. As a highly respected licensed master plumber, he worked as a super for the largest construction company in the world, building skyscrapers in NYC, including the community of Roosevelt Island. As a Founding Member and Director of the Long Island Patriots Marching Band, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the group would become National Champions alongside mom and the brood of seven children. Dad became a volunteer firefighter later in life to, of course, become Chief of the Dix Hills Fire Department. As an avid car lover, during his life, he owned over 75 Hot Rods and cool cars, a selection of which would make even the largest of car enthusiasts take notice.

He was the original gossip and took it to an art form – a very serious guy with a bent to provide and receive unknown or not easily available information, he could unearth details that a spy could respect. 

Dad is predeceased by his wife Rose and son Joseph III and survived by his children and spouses, Bob (Penny), Dan (Frances), Donna (Billy), Denise (Bob), Anthony (Lisa), Darlene (John), and his brother Dan (Kathy), and not to be outdone in the family department, he leaves 25 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. 

His outsized personality and presence attracted people from all walks of life. He left an indelible mark on all those individuals and groups that he touched throughout his time on earth. His legacy will be felt for generations to come. 

With all his accomplishments in life, his commitment and efforts to love, support, and care for our mother and his wife of 62 years, during her illness may well have been his finest hour. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Dix Hills Fire Department https://dixhillsfd.org/donate/