It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, husband, father and grandfather, Jay Anthony Montalbano, who left this world unexpectedly March 15, 2024, due to a short illness.  
A friend to many, Jay passed away surrounded by his loving family at the Memorial Hospital in South Bend at the age of 58. He was born in Plymouth on Aug. 28, 1965, to his parents, Ben and Pauline Montalbano.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Jill Stine Montalbano; and their children: Ericka Hudson, Jessica (Bryon) Overmeyer and Ben (Brea) Montalbano. Jay was a beloved Papa to nine grandchildren: Jacob (17), Jayden (16), Tatum (14), Aimee-Grace (11), Dallas (10), Carson (7), Cameron (6), Callan (3), and Caden (6 weeks); his parents, Ben and Pauline Montalbano, of Greeneville, Tenn.; and sister, Kathy (Brian) Koontz, of Plymouth.
Jay was blessed with in-laws, Larry and Aimee Ross, of Bourbon; Ed and Gloricella Stine, of Marana, Ariz.; Jeff (Michelle) Stine, of Tucson, Ariz.; and Phil (Joann) Stine, of Saddlebrooke, Ariz. Jay would often joke about his next-door neighbors, Larry and Aimee, “only 32 steps away from the best cooking in the world.”
Jay worked for UPS for nearly 40 years. During this long career he developed relationships with clients who looked forward to greeting Jay with each package he delivered. Clients that entrusted him with key codes to leaving packages in safe places in their homes and businesses. He was emblematic of the UPS motto, “make a difference in the communities we serve.” Jay certainly did that during his tenure at UPS. He will be sorely missed.
The two loves of Jay’s life were sports and his beautiful wife, Jill. They met while Jill was living in Arizona while visiting her family in Indiana. It wasn’t long before Jill announced to her Arizona family that she was packing her bags and moving to Indiana. They were married shortly thereafter.
Jay rarely missed his grandchildren’s sporting events who were never surprised to see their devoted Papa in the stands to support and cheer them on. He was dearly loved by his grandchildren.
He and Jill loved to go back each year to visit family and good friends in Arizona, but especially loved their time going to Jellystone in their camper. They just loved spending their time off work being together with family and friends, wherever that took them.
The family would love for memorial attendees to honor Jay by wearing the colors of his favorite team, Notre Dame, in blue, gold and green. Jay never missed a Notre Dame Football game. He was a devoted fan!
A celebration of life and Bano’s retirement party will be held Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at Berkey’s Shop, 409 W. Old U.S. 30, Bourbon.
Memorial donations may be made to: Bourbon EMS, 205 N. Main St., Bourbon, IN 46504.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Jay and wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family.
Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.deatonclemensfh.com.