2017 -- H 5917

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DR. SAMUEL J. MONTALTO, JR.

     Introduced By: Representatives Azzinaro, Corvese, Kennedy, Barros, and Morin

     Date Introduced: March 15, 2017

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Dr. Samuel J. Montalto, Jr., of Westerly, Rhode Island, passed away on

Saturday, March 4, 2017, after fighting a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. He was a

loving husband and devoted father; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Montalto was born on October 11, 1959, the son of Virginia Montalto

and the late Samuel J. Montalto, Sr. Dr. Montalto graduated from Westerly High School in 1977,

and attended the University of Rhode Island, where he attained a Bachelor’s degree and a

Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences; and

     WHEREAS, After graduation, Dr. Montalto worked at Granite Drugs, Inc., while

continuing his education at the New England College of Optometry, where he attained a Doctor

of Optometry degree. The following year, he began practicing at Coastal Eye Associates, where

he became a beloved figure in the community and worked until his passing; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his practice, Dr. Montalto was affiliated with the American

Optometric Association and the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Eye Care Advisory

Committee. He was also a member of the Rhode Island Optometric Association, where he served

on the Board of Directors for many years and as President from 1998 to 1999; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Montalto was also a commissioned officer in the United States Air

Force Reserves, where he served our nation with honor and distinction. He had recently been

promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was a member of the 439th Aerospace Medicine

Squadron, serving at Westover Air Reserve Base; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Montalto was a devoted servant of his community and church. He was a

member of the Pawcatuk Lions Club, the Westerly Public Library and Westerly Hospital Boards

of Incorporators, and was one of the trustees for the Church of the Immaculate Conception. In his

spare time, he enjoyed playing tennis, sailing, kayaking, going to the beach and spending time

with his family; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Montalto leaves behind his wife, Deborah, and their three children,

Catherine, Emily and Sam. He is survived by his mother, Virginia, his brother and sister-in-law,

Stephen and Barbara Montalto and their children, Zachary and Dylan, his brother Christopher and

his sons Ethan and Christian, his father in-law and mother-in-law Gardner and Ruth Werking, and

numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby expresses its condolences on the passing of Dr. Samuel J.

Montalto, Jr.; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Deborah Montalto and Family.

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