Obituary: Anthony Roan Montebello
March 18, 1953–September 22, 2007
Published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch 9/24/2007
Montebello, Anthony Roan “Tony” PhD, entered into eternal rest with Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 22, 2007, after a brief illness. Tony was born in Springfield, Missouri on March 18, 1953, and is preceded in death by his parents, Shigeno and Andrew Montebello. Beloved husband for 23 years of Susan “Susie” (Neher) Montebello. Loving and devoted father of Alison Montebello and Katherine “Kate” Montebello, who brought Tony great joy. In addition to his wife and children, Tony is survived by his brother Andy (Amy) Montebello, his sister Ann Woolsey of Strafford, Missouri, his brother-in-law Rick (Clare) Neher, his sister-in-law Beverly (Tom) O’Brien, and his sister-in-law Sarah (Sheldon) Johnson. A favorite uncle, cousin, and dear friend to many.
After graduating from St. Agnes High School in Springfield, Missouri, in 1971, Tony earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975 from St. Louis University. Tony received his Master of Arts, Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1976 and his Doctor of Philosophy, Industrial Psychology from St. Louis University in 1979.
As a senior vice president with Clayton-based Psychological Associates, Tony was a consultant to hundreds of companies throughout the United States, from family-owned businesses and not-for-profits to Fortune 500 companies, developing and delivering human resource consulting services. Tony also took particular pride in his work as an adjunct professor in St. Louis University’s Business School from 1978–1987. Tony was the author of a business book, Work Teams That work: Skills for Managing Across the Organization, and published many articles and reviews for the Personnel Psychology journal.
A guitar enthusiast, Tony matured in his musical skills and tastes over the years as he came to appreciate the artistry and innovation of the great jazz guitarists, particularly Les Paul, whom he met in New York. Tony also pursued his passion for golf as a member at Greenbriar Hills Country Club, where he served on the club’s board of directors. For Tony, golf was never a good walk spoiled.
Tony took great pride in his daughters’ many accomplishments and was an active supporter of Visitation Academy, serving most recently as secretary of the school’s Fathers Club. His dedication to his work and his life-long passion for music and golf were surpassed only by his deep love for his family and friends. His kind and gentle nature and his ready smile will be truly missed. Memorials can be sent to the Visitation Academy Fathers Club, in care of Mary Kay Horan, 3020 North Ballas Road, St. Louis, Missouri.