William Montenegro Jr.

William Montenegro Jr., age75, was called to Heaven on December 4, 2025. He passed peacefully at his home with his wife by his side.

 

Bill was born in Los Angeles, California on June 2, 1950, to Norma (Haney) Montenegro and William Montenegro, Sr. He was the eldest of 5 children. After graduating from Rosemead High School, he started working for Chrysler and later in 1969 enlisted into the Army during the Vietnam War. After his service he went back to working for Chrysler and was married. To this union 3 sons were born. Bill loved being a father and teaching his son's life's skills and going on adventures along the California coast was a favorite family pastime.

 

Bill retired in 2001 and by then his sons were starting their own families and he was enjoying spending time with his grandchildren. There was only one thing that Bill loved more than his family and that was his love for Jesus.

 

In 2004 Bill decided to move to Missouri. He loved to travel and seen much of the country by motorcycle and RV. In 2009 he met his future wife, Dona. Much of their time together was spent camping, gardening, fishing, and many games of backgammon and scrabble. It was during one of those backgammon games that a small tremor was noticed in one of Bill's hands. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 63.

 

One other thing in Bill's life that took priority was his dedication to the 12-step program. His commitment to himself and helping others lasted over 40 years. He never wavered and made many life-long friends along the way.   

 

Every year Bill would go back to California to spend time with his family.A favorite get-together his brother, Vincent, and sister-in-law, Rose, would host annually was making tamales with the entire family in assembly-line fashion and of course, everyone went home with tamales, and it became a cherished family tradition.

 

It was in the last few years of Bill's life that his health took another turn with the diagnosis of dementia.

 

Bill is survived by his wife, Dona, his 3 sons and their families, William (Lisa) Montenegro, Rowland Heights, Ca., Jonathan (Lilly) Montenegro, Irvine, Ca., Michael (Pamela) Montenegro, Garden Grove, Ca., grandchildren Isaiah, Sierra, Taylor, Grier, and step-grandson, Johny. Great-grandchildren, Aryia and step-great-grandson, Mario. Sister, Clementine Morton (partner Judith), Whittier, Ca., sister Camilla Montenegro, Whittier, Ca., brother, Vincent (Rose) Montenegro, El Monte, Ca., as well as many nieces and nephews and special friend, George Walker, Tillar, Ar., along with many other friends who all held a special place in Bills heart.

 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brother Albert, and twin Grandbabies, Sophia and August.

 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in California.

 

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31