Maria Montante

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Sunday June 07, 2009 | 01:00 AM

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Words meant to be encouraging to a person celebrating a birthday in the seventh, eighth or ninth decade of life. Next words to follow are: “You look great not a day over 70”.

Chester Montante has heard those complimentary words since the announcement of his 90th birthday was published early in May in St. Rocco’s Church Bullentin.

Handshakes, hugs and words of congratulations were extended by friends and parishioners when the announcement appeared.

Celebrating a 90th birthday is not a usual occurrence but a special gift from God and deserves to be recognized and earmarked with much pomp and circumstance. Since early February ideas danced in my mind but like Scarlet is was easier to think about it tomorrow.

An idea materialized early in March when Caroline called her father and stated, “Daddy airline fares are down why don’t you come to visit?”

More thought and then the suggestion, “Would you like to celebrate your 90th birthday in California with your three daughters and their families?”

It was a suggestion received with much joy on the East Coast and the West Coast.

Caroline checked flights and available dates in California, Marilyn checked fares and departure times in Pennsylvania and of course Michele was also on line in Texas.

All systems were GO.

Party arrangements were in the hands of daughters Caroline Montante Mazurkavich residing in Murrieta, Ann Montante Torres residing in the San Fransisco area and Charlene Montante residing in the Los Angeles area.

Chet and I arrived in San Diego a few days prior to the May 30 celebration . The following day Ann and Charlene arrived. The father and sisters were reunited for the first time in one place after ten years.

Lunch was a mixture of laughter, banter and teasing. Seated in order of birth, Ann announced that she was the favorite daughter because she was born first. Caroline the third daughter stated she was last and the best.

Charlene, the middle daughter asked outright “Daddy who is your favorite daughter?

Chet looked at each of the siblings and in a typical Sicilian voice stated, “I will ask the questions.”

Dinner that evening was special for on the menu was artichokes “ala daddy” handpicked, prepared and seasoned with much concentration to assure perfection.

They were exceptionally tasty.

Charlene related artichokes were a favorite dish in their household. When her mother prepared them they each got one and two were set aside for daddy when he arrived home from work.

“I remember sitting watching him eat the artichokes hoping he would not want the second one.”

Laughing she added, “Of course he always shared with me.”

As part of the celebration a trip was made to the historic famous mission of San Juan Capistrano founded in 1776.

Capristrano noted for its many beautiful flower gardens, chapels, musuem and relics is peaceful and serene giving one the opportunity to dwell on the charm of the mission.

What has always stood out in my mind about the Mission was the song ‘When the Swallows Return to Capistrano’ that was sung in old cowboy movies.

The swallows return every spring and arrive during the feast of St. Joseph to nest throughout the valley.

The weather throughout the visit had been sunny with a cool breeze. Saturday, birthday day was ideal for the garden party being held at the home of his daughter and son-in law Caroline and Stephen Mazurkivich.

The garden was a beatiful sight with the many varieties of flowers, desert plants and fruit trees planted at the request of Chester Montante.

It was more than a birthday party. It was a festive family reunion of cousins who cam from Brentwood, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas. While children splashed in the pool attended by their parents the cousins sat beneath patio umbrellas exchanging their stories, reminiscing about old times, get updated on the status of Pittston and the relatives and friends still residing there.

Chet was asked what he attributed his long life and good looks to.

His response was, “Milk, golf, love and God.”

To these I add his zest for life, love of family, care and gentleness with people, friendships, reading, singing, dancing, playing the kazoo, crossword puzzles and card games with family and friends.

Chet in celebration of his 90th birthday will have the distinct honor of crowning the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Feast Day, June 18, at the annual enthronement of the Sacred Heart Guild of which he serves as board member.

I have a feeling that the party is not over yet, for Chet claims there will be a party in all the states we are in, Texas is next.

Chet, happy 90th birthday with love.

Chet was asked what he attributed his long life and good looks to.

His response was, “Milk, golf, love and God.”