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Roycroft Anthony Monte

Roycroft Anthony Monte of Deep River, formerly of Chester, died peacefully in his sleep Nov. 6, due to complications from Alzheimer’s.

Roy was born in 1932 in Chester, to Frank and Molly Monte. He graduated from Chester High School in 1950, joined the naval reserve, and attended submarine school in New London in 1951. He attended Morse Business School, graduating in 1952. Roy married his school sweetheart, Shirley LeClair, in 1953. In December, he was called to active duty in the Navy, serving on the USS Bushnell. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and received the National Defense Service Ribbon. Following employment at Uarco Inc. in Deep River, he joined Janet Sachs Real Estate. With Shirley by his side, he formed his own company, RA Monte & Associates, on Main Street, Chester.

Roy was active in the community, serving on the Chester Elementary School Board for six years, Chester Industrial and Development Commission, and the New Economic Development Council of Eastern Connecticut. He was the President of the Lower Connecticut River Board of Realtors, Chairman of the Bishop Appeal for St. Joseph Church, Director of Deep River, Essex, Chester Exchange Club, and a life-long member of the Westbrook Elks. He served with the Chester Hose Company for 25 years. He was also a member of the Chester Historical Society, Chester Grange, Knights of Columbus, and Drum Major for the Chester Drum Corp. Roy also served as a Director of the Chester Savings Bank, and was later elected Chairman of the Board of Directors.

It was during his time as the President of the Chester Center Businessmen’s Association, the Four on the Fourth road race was born. Roy was one of the founding organizers, serving as the first chairman. He was always optimistic that the downtown would become vibrant again, putting Chester on the map and was interviewed several times by the New York Times and the Hartford Courant.

Roy’s civic duties continued well into his 70s when he joined the Deep River Fire Department, along with wife, and served until just a few years ago.

Roy and Shirley raised four beautiful girls who married and filled his life with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He treasured the large family events that occurred. His charcoal grill was used 12 months a year, rain or shine, and he was known for his silver dollar pancakes and his Kentucky Derby Day Sylibubs. He loved to laugh, he loved his wife, loved his family, he loved his friends and he loved life. He held great faith in God, serving as a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph’s Church. He was a great man, an inspirational man, a true gentleman. When you met him, he aways made you feel welcome with his smile and twinkle in his eye. When greeted with “good to see you” he always responded “it’s good to be seen.” He will be sorely missed and forever loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Shirley LeClaire Monte. He also leaves behind four daughters, Michele Gallo (Peter), Melissa Lowrey (Mark), Marlene Campbell (David), and Mia (Maria) Monte; eight grandchildren, Michael Gallo (Kim), Mia Lowrey Merrel (Jeremy), Matthew Gallo (Rowena), Lee Ingraham (Patrick), Jasseigh Ingraham, Colyn Lowrey (Lisa), Patrick Campbell, Kenna Campbell Murphy (Sean); and seven great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Alice Bizzarro and Cathy Schwartz. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Frank Sr. and Amelia “Molly” Monte and his brother Frank Jr.

A wake was held Nov. 10, at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. The funeral Mass was on Nov. 11, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 48 Middlesex Avenue, Chester. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deep River Fire Department, 57 Union St., Deep River, CT 06417. To leave a memory of Roy or condolence message for his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.