Ernest Montanaro

Ernest John Montanaro, age 96, of Dearborn, Michigan, died peacefully at home with family on July 3, 2026. He was born Ernesto Giovanni Montanaro in Dogliani, Cuneo, Italy on December 22, 1929, to parents Giocondo Montanaro (1892-1958) and Valeria Occelli (1904-1991), joining siblings Annetta Ferro (1924-2008) and Mario Montanaro (1926-1979).

Ernie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 32 years, Pearl Montanaro (April 14, 1929-May 23, 1985) and his long-time companion Phyllis Hammerberg (February 2, 1943-November 24, 2021). He is survived by his two daughters, Tisha Zelner (Kyle) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Sharon Lewis (Greg) of Livonia, Michigan; and three grandchildren, Elisha Stetu (Christopher), Isabella Wiegand, and Vincent Wiegand.

Ernie and Pearl were married in Italy on May 16, 1953, and relocated to Dearborn, Michigan several months later. Ernie became a naturalized citizen of the United States on April 9, 1957.

Ernie attended Wolverine Trade School, Henry Ford Community College, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University in December 1970.

Ernie’s first job in the U.S. was as an auto mechanic at Huber Garage in Dearborn, however, he made his engineering career with Ford Motor Company. Ernie’s first job at Ford was at the Wayne Assembly Plant, from 1955 to 1961. He later transferred to Ford Tractor Operations, where he continued to work for Ford and then Ford New Holland until his retirement as a senior project engineer in 1991.

Ernie was a mechanical engineer, evident not merely in his employment history but also in his approach to life. He valued precision in all things! He was a generous man who lived to support his family. He made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and will continue to live on in our memories.