Tommy ”Yamamoto” Montoya Sr., died April 22, 2004 in Salinas
after a long illness. He was 84.
Tommy ”Yamamoto” Montoya Sr., died April 22, 2004 in Salinas after a long illness. He was 84.
Born in June 5, 1919, the Phoenix, Ariz., native was a longtime strawberry grower who enjoyed fishing, gambling and candy. He was a generous spirit who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He lived in Salinas since 1962.
Mr. Montoya was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and the National Guard stationed at Laury Field in Denver, Colo.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laura Montoya of Salinas; daughter, Rose Marie (Ron) Kinoshita of Gilroy; sons, John (Terry) Montoya of Olympia, Wash., Tommy (Cora) Montoya Jr. of Salinas, and Bobby Montoya of San Jose; sisters, Rose Bayuga of Gilroy and Mary Lou Williams of Phoenix, Ariz.; brothers, Johnny Yamamoto of Gilroy, Charlie Zuniga of Los Angeles and Richard Augustine of Selma; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brother Mike Yamamoto.
Visitation, funeral and burial were held Sunday and today in Salinas.
Arrangements were made by Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas.
