After a lengthy illness, Dale G. Monticello “Monty” aged 73 of East Grand Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, at home with his family by his side. His family provided him with unconditional love and support during his illness, while his high school classmates and life-long friends showed their constant support and boosted his morale while he quietly fought this unrelenting disease.
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Dale’s formative years were spent growing up near Garfield Park enjoying a neighborhood filled with friends, family, and sports.
Dale graduated in 1968 from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School. Upon graduation from Western Michigan University, he followed a path of becoming an educator. When that dream was fulfilled, he worked at Morrison Industrial Equipment for nearly 40 years, the last 20 of those years as the Executive Vice President.
Although Dale enjoyed traveling, sports, cooking and running he was over the moon for his granddaughters, Lexi and Harper and devoted the last 12 years of his life as a “girl grandpa” spending every spare minute he had making memories with them. Although Harper passed in 2018, we are comforted knowing she is once again enjoying grandpa’s hugs and kisses.
Dale leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Michelle (VanDerVeen); son, Brook Monticello; daughter, Kerry (Todd) Heck; beloved granddaughter, Lexi Heck; siblings, Frank (Caryl) Monticello, Tom (Ellen) Monticello, Christine (Mark) Bonnema; brother-in-law, Eric (Christine) VanDerVeen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Aunt Mary Impellizzeri. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Monticello; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Jeanette VanDerVeen; and his granddaughter, Harper.
We will miss Dale’s cooking, quick wit, and storytelling with his golf scorecard, but we will be forever grateful for the wonderful memories of our time together. He enriched all of our lives.
The family will meet with friends and relatives at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, on Friday, April 12th, from 4-6 pm. A private family burial will be held later.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Calvin University Rare Disease Research & Support in memorial of Dale Monticello &/or Harper Heck.
10 Responses
Thinking of all of you and sending my love during this very sad and difficult time. Dale will be missed so much more than words can even express.
Dale was like an uncle to me growing up, along with Rick Arnold. I have wonderful memories of our BAM conventions including several NYE parties and trips. My dad and Dale ran together almost every night after work and did many Riverbank 25ks and other races, along with golf and softball. Such a loving, funny guy. I’ll miss his 1- liners most of all. Michelle, Brook, and Kerry, I’m so sorry for your loss. He was loved by so many. I know the last few years were hard but I’m sure the reality of this is still difficult. Can’t believe he’s gone. Love you all.
Michelle,
So sorry to hear. Sending a little prayer 🙏 your way.
Dear Michelle, Brook and Kerry. I am devastated to hear of Dale’s passing. He was a fine man, great husband and amazing father. May your love for him give you strength in the next few months as you process your loss. I wish i could be with you at this time, but i am overseas. Big, big hugs. Marilyn
I met Dale in 1980, when we were both young fathers trying to do our best to provide for our families and figure life out.
There was an immediate connection fueled by our mutual interest in all Sports, Food, and Beer!
Together with our good friends, Laurie and Marshall Beard, we bonded as families and glided into Life’s River, supporting each other thru the daily challenges of raising kids and making a living. Some times the river was calm, and other times it was turbulent, but through it all we managed to successfully navigate Life’s obstacles.
We traveled well together, first with our families, enjoying Lake Michigan’s sandy shores, and the beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula, then later in life, traveling to Monterey and wine country in Napa, and overseas to Paris and Normandy.
We shared many boating adventures on the Great Lakes, traveling to many ports in Michigan and Canada.
Over the years our friendship deepened and I consider Dale to be a brother to me.
I am saddened by his passing, but am thankful that he is in a better place today.
My heart goes out to Michelle, Brook, Kerry, and the rest of the Monticello family.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Dale. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Gone, forever remembered. Rest in peace, old friend.
Dear Monticello Families, our deepest and most heartfelt condolences in the passing of Dale. His humor, his shared stories, and his consoling heart will always be remembered. With Love,
Dean & Katherine Martin
Dale was a valued friend, neighbor, classmate, and teammate as we progressed through SFX Middle School, Catholic Central HS, GRJC and WMU. He was part of a larger group that appreciated the friendship, impact and influence that other group members had on their lives. Dale will always be remembered for his positive spirit, a strong sense of empathy, a caring and protective nature and his never failing sense of humor. Monty’s courage and optimism when faced with tough odds certainly set a very high standard for us. My condolences to Michelle , his family and many friends.
Bob Schichtel CC’68
Dale was a very kind man, we’re happy that he was part of our family. Our condoleances with love.
Peggy and family