Joe G. Montalvo, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother passed away Tuesday evening, August 13, 2024, at the age of 86, surrounded by his family, after a brave battle fought against cancer. He was born October 30, 1937, in Cottonport, Louisiana to the late Joe, Sr. and Marie Montalvo. While in college, he met Juanita Corner, and they were married in 1961, being together in marriage for 63 years.
After graduating from Cottonport High School in 1955, Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and Master of Science degree in 1961, both in chemistry, from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now University of Louisiana, Lafayette). After completion of both degrees at SLI, he and Juanita moved to Norco, Louisiana, where he joined Shell Oil Company. Later, he continued his education at Louisiana State University in New Orleans (now University of New Orleans) from 1965 to 1968, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemistry.
Joe worked at Gulf South Research Institute in New Orleans for 10 years. He then joined the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, working in the Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans for the next 38 years, until his retirement in 2017. Joe’s strong work ethic was evident in his professional accomplishments. During his 50 years as a research chemist and member of the American Chemical Society, he authored more than 100 papers for publication in scientific journals and presented his research at national and international conferences.
Joe had hobbies and interests that filled his years with personal enjoyment and satisfaction. He was a passionate home gardener, growing tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, corn, and cotton. An avid reader, he often chose books about the American Civil War and World War II. Joe loved to barbecue for his family and friends. Playing cards with his children and grandchildren also gave him great joy.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Rios Montalvo.
He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita, his daughters, Nancy Navaille (Pierre) and April Adams (Barry), and grandchildren, Robert Navaille, Nicole Navaille (Collin McAliley), Levi Adams, and Lucas Adams. He is also survived by his sisters, Movita Rebstock, Bernadette Armand, and Gayle Montalvo, brother, Guy Montalvo, brother-in-law, Ronald Corner (Phyllis), and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at H.C. Alexander Funeral Home, 22 Apple St. Norco, LA. Visitation will be held from 10 AM – 12 PM with a funeral Mass to begin at 12 PM. Interment will follow at St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Destrehan, LA.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Heart of Hospice and the St. Charles Parish Hospital Infusion Center in Luling, Louisiana for the compassionate care they gave to Joe.
An online guestbook is available at www.HCAlexander.com
