John T. Montilino

John Thomas Montilino, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 27, 2026, at the age of 92. 

John was born on September 29, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Manhasset on Long Island, where he graduated from Chaminade High School. In 1955, John earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College and went on to serve as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camps Quantico and Pendleton. 

In 1955, John married Joyce Krenc, whom he met in Manhasset. Together they raised four children—Michael Montilino, Lisa Arty, Martin Montilino and Jennifer Montilino, eventually settling in Edina, Minnesota. John and Joyce divorced in 1980. 

In 1982, John met Elizabeth Wolszon with whom he would share the remainder of his life. They married in 1995 and raised two children, Natalie and Camille Montilino, in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

John spent 22 years managing the marketing functions for corporations involved in the nascent computer industry like Burroughs and Honeywell and introduced manufacturers to the wonders of automated process control. In 1982, seeking a different kind of fulfillment in his work life, he made a deliberate decision to leave the for-profit world and contribute his marketing and finance skills to nonprofit organizations. Always a lover of the arts, John spent 11 years with the Illusion Theater then moved to Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins from which he ultimately retired. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Monteleone and Lucille (Picciano), and his aunt, Margaret Mulvey (Montelino). He is survived by his beloved wife, (Mary) Elizabeth Wolszon; his sister, Arlene McCarthy; his children, Michael Montilino (Kelly), Lisa Arty, Martin Montilino (Pamela), Jennifer Montilino (Reed), Natalie Montilino and Camille Montilino; his grandchildren Rhiannon (Grant), Gina (Kevin), Christina, Jahlie, Nicholas, Celine, Nathan, Evi, and Alec; his three great-grandchildren; and many loved nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (515 S. Albert Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116) on February 27th, 2026. Visitation will take place from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow the service. 

John was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather. He was loyal to his treasured friends; he welcomed strangers, and he was always a New York kid at heart. 

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