Michael Monteforte Sr. 1934-2024

He was born Nov. 28, 1934, in Niles, the son of Anthony and Mary Portanova Monteforte.

He was proud of his Italian immigrant roots and his family. And if you knew him, you knew he never met a stranger.

Mike was a 1952 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and held jobs with the National Gypsum Company, Metropolitan Life, the U.S. Post Office and Niles Suburban News, among others, before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Youngstown State University. He went on to earn a Master of Education from Westminster College.

He was employed as a teacher for Warren City Schools for 20 years, and following his retirement was a door greeter at Sam’s Club in Niles, where his penchant for spotting great deals was appreciated by all he encountered.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and St. Stephen Church, both in Niles, and was involved in a number of civic and sports organizations, including the Niles Men’s Democrat Club, the Niles Lions Club, Niles Knights of Columbus Council #1681 and was a member of The Monsignor Francis J. Lavery 4th Degree General Assembly, and Golden Gloves. He also was a member of Legends of Leather and the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

Mike served his country honorably in the United States Army, having served two years. Throughout his life, he enjoyed vacationing in Florida with his wife. In his last years, he enjoyed reading, word searches and watching movies and sports.

His wife, Maria Conti Monteforte, whom he married June 18, 1960, died March 8, 2003.

He will be sadly missed by a son, Michael Monteforte Jr. and his wife, Kim of Liberty; a daughter, Michelle Monteforte Gray and her husband, Andy of Niles; four grandchildren, Anna and Alison Gray, and Anthony and Nick Capogreco; one great-grandchild, Lucia Capogreco; his long-time companion, Jane Lalama; as well as a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tony Monteforte and Luke Monteforte; and two sisters, Angie Costello and Rose Monteforte.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Stephen Church in Niles, with the Rev. Stephen Agostino officiating. The Mass will be preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Pineview Memorial Cemetery, where Mike will be honored for his military service.

Arrangements handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Michael’s family.

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