Juan Montenegro

May 27, 1921 - December 4, 2020

Juan P. Montenegro May 27, 1921 - Dec 4, 2020 On Monday, December 4, 2020, John Paul Montenegro, loving husband to Conception Montenegro and father of nine children, passed away at the age of 99. Juan was born on May 27th, 1921, in San Salvador, El Salvador, to Cristobal and Eugenia (Montenegro) de Garcia. In 1938, Juan immigrated to San Francisco, California as a young man on a student visa. He attended San Francisco State University before joining the Army. He served as a medic in Italy during WWII. After the Allies won the war, Juan pursued a career with the Department of Defense in the Military Sea Transportation Service (Now known as Military Sealift Command). Juan traveled the world, learning four languages, including French, Italian, English, and Spanish. During his career, Juan was recognized for his work on the Apollo Project, having supported the launch of Apollo 8’s mission to the moon on December 21st, 1968. He retired after 36 years of public service from the position of Chief Purser at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Juan was a devoted husband and a loving father. After retirement, Juan focused on the nurturing and upbringing of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family was a critical aspect of Juan’s life, and he valued his relationship with his children. Nothing made him smile more than visiting with his daughters, talking to his grandchildren on the phone, or receiving a handwritten letter from a loved one. Though Juan had dozens of grandchildren, he knew them all by name. He urged them all to pursue education to the greatest extent of their ability and was delighted in their achievements. Juan was a consummate gentleman. He always dressed in a suit and had impeccable manners. Juan had a passion for classical music. He also loved to watch sports, his favorite team being the San Francisco Forty-Niners. In his den, he often could be found relaxing to a classical concerto or excitedly shouting at the T.V screen during a competitive football match. He had a wide range of interests, including politics, opera, and western films. His intelligence and amiable nature earned the respect of everyone around him. Juan was known for his quick wit, his infectious jokes, and his kind and caring spirit. He will be sorely missed As Juan’s health began to fail, he was cared for by his son Emil Montenegro, daughter Catherine Ortiz, and her three sons, with whom he lived. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Conception at Chapel of the Chimes Cemetery in Hayward. He is survived by four daughters, two sons, and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be privately held.