December 14, 1926 – March 12, 2012
Resident of Aptos, California
Rudy Monte, an independent grocery retailer for over 50 years, passed away on Monday, 3/12/12, with his family by his side. He was 85 years old. The grocery business, golf, love of good food, and his family were his passions in life.
Almost 30 years ago, Rudy, along with two of his best golfing buddies started Deluxe Foods of Aptos. The store was his pride and joy and became a catalyst for many community projects that he supported with his son, Marc. With the opening of this independent retail grocery store, he saw his life’s dream come to reality. He was an avid golfer for most of his life and was very proud of his many golf trophies as well as his three holes in one.
Born in 1926 in Mission San Jose and graduated from Washington Union High in Centerville. After serving in the Merchant Marines during World War II, he married his sweetheart in Mission San Jose and moved to San Francisco. From there, he moved to San Jose, always being an entrepreneur; from hat shops, to cleaners, he finally discovered that being an independent retail grocer was his passion.
Married for 65 years, he leaves behind his best friend and life partner, Doris Monte. Together they traveled the world and were known to be seen dancing the night away on many a moonlit night. He is also survived by his four children, Marc and his wife Jessica, Linda and her husband Bob, Paul and his wife Charlotte, and Rudy, Jr. and his wife Deena; grandchildren Rob, Sarah Isabel, Michael, Maria, and Steven and great granddaughter Amaia Grace.
A viewing for family and friends is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, 2012, 4-6 pm with a Rosary beginning at 6 pm at Benito Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA. A private mass and burial will follow.
The family suggests that Rudy’s spirit be honored with a gift to The Monte Foundation. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Rudy and share any condolences with his family.