Passed away on July 23rd, 2019 at the age of 78 years old
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Giovanni Montanari, husband of Giuliana Montanari (Margaritelli).
From a tiny village in Northern Italy to the world’s tallest hotel in Atlanta Georgia, and ultimately to his own restaurant in downtown Montreal, Giovanni dedicated his life ensuring others were happy and well-fed.
His travels took him to hotel school in Switzerland, then throughout Germany, Holland and London, where he met Giuliana, the love of his life. He followed her to Canada where they married and began their journey of 53 years. Together, they had three sons: Marcello (Carolyn Spinney), Attilio (Chantal Gratton) and Marco, as well as four grandchildren he adored: Christopher, Lauren, Nicholas and Massimo.
Opening hotels for Westin gave them the opportunity to experience the United States. They ultimately returned to Montreal where he opened his own landmark restaurant, La Rotisserie Italienne, with partners Vito and Raphael (predeceased). Together, they wined and dined Montrealers of all stripes for over 25 years. “Sorry, no reservations, just come down and we’ll find a way to feed you”.
Giovanni possessed an undying curiosity, a fearlessness to explore, and abilities to imagine the unimaginable, think the unthinkable and believe the unbelievable. He shared these gifts with his children, friends, neighbors and business partners. His beliefs in family, loyalty, generosity and faith have been passed on to all those he touched. Giovanni is also survived by numerous brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews across Europe.
He will be missed.
A visitation is scheduled from 6:00 – 9:00 PM on Friday, July 26, at J.J Cardinal Funeral Home 560 Lakeshore Drive, Dorval, Quebec H9S 2B3 (www.jjcardinal.ca) 514-631-1511
A service will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 11:00 AM at St Veronica’s Church, 1300 Carson Avenue, Dorval, Quebec, H9S 1M6
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Island Palliative Care Residence at 300 Stillview Ave. 4th floor, Pointe-Claire, Quebec H9R 0A1 https://residencesoinspalliatifs.com/en/make-a-donation/ or Dans La Rue 533 Ontario Street East, Suite 450, Montreal, Quebec, H2L 1N8 https://danslarue.org/en/donations/
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL
560, chemin Bord du Lac, Dorval (Québec) H9S 2B3
Tel.: 514-631-1511 | Fax: 514-631-1516 | Email: info@jjcardinal.ca