Obituary of Armenio Monteiro

Armenio Amaral Monteiro October 19, 1930 -March 10, 2022 Armenio Amaral Monteiro was born on October 19,1930 in Portugal, and emigrated to this country in 1956 when he was only 26 years old. His wife and life partner was Maria Helena Cardoso. They first lived in New York City but ultimately located to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Mary and Armenio were model citizens, successful business people, and loving parents to their three sons: Nelson who became a lawyer and judge, Miguel, a captain-pilot with United Airlines, and Tony, who held political office, and is a successful entrepreneur. They lived in a humble apartment on Second Street in Elizabethport, connected to Mary’s Luncheonette. Mary would serve coffee, advice, and love to all of those who walked in, while Armenio worked down the block at an agency he owned, called Dynamic Travel. He provided travel services, translations, along with helping filling out legal documents for Portugal and the US. As a community servant, he created a rich legacy of supporters and friends. His caring demeanor, inspiration, and mentoring of those who worked for him, is still evident today, in the care and appreciation his former employees have shown toward him throughout the years, all of them who will surely miss ‘Mr. Monty’. Professionally, and throughout his career, he was recognized as one of the top sales agents for TAP Air Portugal in the region. For a number of years, he worked for a coffee company in Linden called Tenco, There he was able to help dozens of individuals to get jobs and to start their own lives here in America. Armenio was a founding Charter Member and President of the Elizabeth Portuguese Lions Club. He was a President of the General Assembly for the Portuguese Instructive Social Club for a number of years. He was also an active member of Portuguese American Citizens Club, Associação de Desportos, and Tertúlia de Bacalhau. Armenio Monteiro was the proverbial ‘teddy bear’ of a guy, with a magnetic personality, always jovial, determined, strong, but caring. He enjoyed being around family and friends, engaging in great conversation that only a glass of wine and a good meal could bring. Being around him was a reminder of how life was made to be lived. He worked through his retirement, a date that no one really knows -because he never really retired. He loved going into the office, being around others, and giving back to the community. This is the Armenio Amaral Monteiro we will all remember. He passed away on March 10th at 10:28 PM, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. He experienced the deep love around him, all the way through his final moments here on this earth. He went in peace, holding his rosary and the supportive hands of Father John Carlos De Sousa, who whispered to Armenio to go home and see Mary. Armenio leaves on this earth a multitude of individuals who will miss his humor, compassion, and love. Saddened by his loss are his sons Nelson and his beloved Sandra, Miguel, and Tony, daughter-in-law Amy, and granddaughter Sadie. His brother Fernando and sister-in-law Irene Monteiro. Nephew Paul and wife Tracy Monteiro, Niece Lizete and husband David Anstat. Brother-in-law Victor, and sister-in-law Odete Cardoso. In lieu of flowers we request contributions to Saint Jude’s Children's hospital and/or the Elizabeth Portuguese Lions Club