Skip to main content

Doug Montanaro's Obituary

By Judy Montanaro

Photo of Doug MontanaroRalph Douglas "Doug" Montanaro of Clintonville died April 4, 2022, at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, surrounded by his family after several months of illness due to liver disease. He was 74 years old. 

Doug leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Judy Montanaro (née Furedy), his daughter Katie (Bo Riley) and their son Gabe, his daughter Maggie (Clément Chevrier), his sister Mary Kay Barickman (Steven Barickman), and his dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Jean Montanaro. 

Originally from Newark, Ohio, Doug and Judy spent many years in Pickerington before moving to Clintonville in 2012. Doug worked for 15 years at Ohio Bell before changing careers by joining the faculty at Columbus State Community College. He retired from Columbus State in 2017 after many years as Chair of the Humanities Department. He championed so many great programs and people at Columbus State and truly loved what he did. Doug was an eternal student, and education was a natural fit for him. After earning his BA at Muskingum and his Ph.D. in medieval history at Ohio State University, Doug went on to explore many other interests and areas of study. He was a remarkable movie buff with a specialty in film noir, an actor in community theater productions, an avid reader, a learner of Italian, a music lover, poet, European traveler, and most of all, a genuinely curious and open-minded soul. His warmth and humor will be very sorely missed by his family, many beloved friends, and colleagues. 

There will be a private inurnment, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family is welcoming contributions of written memories and photos to https://rememberingdoug.fromabirdie.com/contribute which will later be printed as a keepsake book for them to treasure.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Dr. Doug Montanaro Memorial Scholarship at Columbus State Community College. To do so, go to https://foundation.cscc.edu/donate. Select "Other" as the designation and enter "In memory of Doug Montanaro." This scholarship supports students in the Humanities.

Thanks to all the staff, nurses, and doctors at Mount Carmel East Hospital, Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, and Central Ohio Geriatrics for their kindness, dedication, and the excellent care they gave Doug throughout his illness.