Paul N. Montalto, M.D., 101, of Newark, passed away on January 31, 2023 at Licking Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 10, 1921 in Wellsville, Ohio to the late Norman and Mary (Gallia) Montalto. His Italian parents like others of that era, dreamed of opportunity and success for their two children. Paul was proud of his Italian heritage, and both sons exceeded their parents' dreams.

Paul was a proud veteran of WWII where he served in the U.S. Army's artillery and as a French translator. Paul studied French in high school, and during the war his fluency was very useful. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the Rhineland. After victory in the European theatre, Paul was sailing to Japan when the end of WWII was announced. He spoke of his joy and relief in watching the enormous USS Panther make a U-turn back to the U. S. Paul was awarded ribbons and a medal for his service. In appreciation of his military service, Dr. Montalto flew on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2017.

After the war, Paul returned to the Ohio State University to continue pre-med studies. While there, he was president of his fraternity, Theta Kappa Phi. Dr. Montalto graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1950. After completing his internship at O.S.U. Hospital, he was board certified in July 1951. The doctor moved to Newark to begin his medical career which spanned an amazing 65 years in private family practice. In the early years, he made house calls and delivered babies. Some became friends and classmates of his own children.

Paul loved his children and spent much time with them in a variety of activities. Every summer there would be lots of fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. He took his family on vacations, and was a huge part of their daily lives. He was a great role model.

Dr. Montalto loved his patients, and they appreciated his compassion, skill, and attention to detail. He was humble and put everyone at ease with his warm smile and keen sense of humor which he never lost. He was a dedicated lifelong learner and went to many continuing education meetings to maintain his skills and be up to date with clinical practice. In 2018, Dr. Montalto was honored for his work with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Licking Memorial Hospital. In 2022, he received a Physician Service Award from Licking Memorial Hospital in recognition of his 65 years as an active physician.

Paul loved Ohio State football and basketball. He bled scarlet and gray. Going to the football games both home and away on Saturdays were part of the doctor's weekend plans. As a devoted Buckeye fan, Paul made many donations to O.S.U. and traveled with alumni groups to the bowl games and championships.

Paul was also very athletic. During college he acquired wrestling and gymnastics skills. In Newark, Paul played volleyball at the YMCA, plus tennis and golf at Moundbuilders Country Club. He enjoyed socializing as much as playing. He was truly a people person.

Dr. Montalto was known for growing large, fragrant gardenias. He will be missed by many to whom he delivered the creamy white flowers: family, friends, co-workers, and admiring folks he happened to meet. When approached by a local florist to sell gardenias to him, Paul declined. He preferred giving them away.

Paul traveled extensively around the world and visited his favorite places numerous times. After his retirement in 2016, Dr. Montalto attended events at the Licking County Aging Program and enjoyed playing chair volleyball there. Additionally, he was a parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor in Granville.

He is survived by his loving children; Dr. Norman (Debbie) Montalto, Beth (Mason) Swick, Drs. Michael (Catherine) Montalto, and Ria (Cal) Howard; grandchildren: Alice (Brandon) Dawson, Megan (Donnie) Lambert, Mary (Austin) Garcia, Anne Montalto and fiance, Matthew Altendorf; great grandchildren: Zoey and Weston Keaton, and Lonnie Lambert VI. He is also survived by his brother, James Montalto (age 98 ); niece, Gina (Frank) Petruziello, nephew, Thomas (Jackie) Montalto and former wife, Rose Montalto.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister-in-law Betty Montalto and nephew, Gregg (Gayle) Montalto.

Visitation will be held 9:30-10:30 AM on Saturday, February 18th, 2023 at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st in Newark. A funeral service there will immediately follow with Monsignor Paul Enke as celebrant. Burial will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Montalto's name to the Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Dr. SW, Heath, Ohio 43056 or the Licking County Aging Program, 1058 East Main St., Newark, Ohio 43055.

Visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com to share a special memory about Dr. Montalto or to sign an online guest book.