Francisco Montalvo, 81, Crane Operator

He was born July 10, 1923 in Utuado, Puerto Rico. He moved from Utuado to Lorain in 1950.

Mr. Montalvo retired as a crane operator in 1982 from Ford Motor Brookpark Engine Plant Foundry. He worked there for 25 years. Previously to that he worked for Freuhauf Trailer in Avon Lake.

He served in the Army during World War II, with Battery A 346th Anti Aircraft Battalion. He receiver the American Theater Service Metal, World War II Victory Metal, the Good Conduct Metal and 5 Overseas Service Bars.

Mr. Montalvo was a member of the House Praise International, Lorain and the United Auto Workers, Brookpark and the AMVETS post 58 in South Lorain. He wrote poetry, which was often broadcasted, on radio. He enjoyed listening to short wave radio, baseball and football. He was an avid reader of The Bible.

Among the survivors is his son Rafael Mendez of Lorain; daughters Olga Williams of Bryant, Arkansas, Maria "Evelyn" Mathess of Columbia Station and Enith Workman of Vermilion; six Grandchildren and three Great Grandchildren; brothers Alejo and Jose Mendez both of Lorain and Ismael Mendez of Utuado, Puerto Rico and a sister Luisa Cortez of Utuado, Puerto Rico.

He was preceded in death by His wife of 56 years Rosa A. Mendez (nee Lopez) in July 2003; his parents Carmelo Mendez and Isabel Montalvo; brothers Miguel and Antonio Mendez and an infant daughter.

Friends may call Monday, January 24, 2005, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, Ohio. Friends may also call Tuesday 9:00 until time of service at 9:30AM. The Reverend Gilbert Silva, Pastor of House of Praise International, Lorain. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township, Ohio. Where the Disabled American Veterans, Louis Paul Proy, Chapter 20, Lorain will conduct military honors.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the House Praise International 4321 Elyria Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055