Monte Lavine of Pittsford, New York, passed away at the age of 78 on November 19, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Alfred Lavine. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Nancy, their children Keith (Carrie), Gregg (Janet), and Johnna (David Neufeglise), and 7 grandchildren: Kerry, Avery, Connor, Emma, Kate, Allie and Kendall, sister Lana (Stanley Kravitz), sister-in-law Susan (Benjamin Margolius), brother-in-law Bill Oberndorfer (Marcy), many nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends.
Monte was a quirky, loving, and lovable man. He loved the smell of new leather, and even new clothes, often smelling his birthday presents before wearing them. He coined the word “Smackeroonies” as his signature sign-off to his grandchildren as a code word for how much he loved them and was going to miss them. He loved to exercise, help clean up after dinner, fix anything and everything around the house, build cabinets and shelves, saving every screw and nail, and labeling everything. He loved to plot out the best routes on a map, even after GPS technology became available, and loved to discuss those routes with his wife and children, even if the feeling wasn’t mutual.
Having grown up in Rochester, he graduated with a BA in Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a BA in Industrial Design from Syracuse University. After moving to the Boston area to begin his career, he eventually moved back to the Rochester area to begin a 25-year career at Kodak, before retiring in 2000. A talented artist, Monte was able to return to painting as a hobby after his retirement. He filled the lives of his family with his art, hanging on the walls of his homes as windows into his view of the world.
Monte was dedicated to his career and his craft, but most of all, he loved and was dedicated to his wife and children, and his actions backed that up. He danced in the house with his wife, Nancy, as long as he was able to, and held her hand up until the very end. He was there for anniversaries, track meets, football games, french horn recitals, birthdays etc. He was there for dinner at the table with his family almost every night.
He will be dearly missed by all. The family would like to thank all of his extraordinary caregivers for their love, care, and support.
In keeping with Monte’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Due to Covid, arrangements for a small gathering will be made at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assocation or to a charity of your choice.
Comments
22 responses to “Lavine, Monte”
I am very sorry to hear of Monte’s passing. May his memory be a blessing. I loved my childhood friend and miss him dearly already. Thanks for your wonderful friendship and memories. You were the GREATEST!!!
Monte and I were in the same high school homeroom for the 5 years, He had a great sense of humor and was a pleasure to know. Once in awhile I would hear about him from one of his friends. Since I moved from Rochester many years ago. I had not seen him .I wish his family Peace. They obviously had his Love.
Marty and I are deeply sorry to hear of your loss. We remember him as a kind and loving man. We know he will be dearly missed. May your memories bring you comfort in the coming days.
I too was a school friend of Monte’s and remember him as a handsome and “together” human being. I “knew” him in later years through the eyes and hearts of his close friends who were also school classmates and remained close to him over so many years. May his memory be for a blessing as family and friends grieve his loss and may you find solace in all he shared of himself.
My deepest sympathies to your family. May his memory be for a blessing.
Lana, I’m so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. From his description, he was a fascinating man. My condolences, Judi Oliveri
To be in Monte’s presence was pure joy. His smile, his laugh, his kindness were all infectious! He always gave me a big hello! I will always remember him for blessing and so much more!
Sincere condolences to all the Levines, thoughts and prayers, may his memory warm your heart and fill the void sooner than you hope.
Our sincere condolences to your family
We are very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
Johnna, Dave, Emma, Kate and Allie – Nancy and family – we send our heart-felt sympathy to you all. Your dad and grandfather was a true gentleman, very interesting and a funny man. I enjoyed conversations with Monte at the Pittsford Town Hall as he would enjoy viewing and discussing the art work displayed by the Pittsford Art Group. Mostly though, with a big smile, he would fill me in on his lovely wife Nancy and his family. It was a pleasure to know Monte and he will be missed. (Love Aunt Laurie & Uncle Doug)
Dear Nancy and family,
So many valued memories of our Albany/Boston days and trips on the Cape with our then young children. Monte was a unique man and the two of you such an admired team.
I can easily feel again the endless, in the sun, “one on one” basketball games with Monte, originally at the old JY, continued in the Boston area, and back again in Rochester. A mild-mannered guy, with a tenacity to prevail-and that he did!
While over the years we moved in different directions, my caring for all of you never did.
Monte was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend that left a lifetime of memories and a wonderful model for your children and grandchildren
Love to you all,
Arnie and Mary Jane Gissin
My friend Monte was always a living,breathing example of a mensch (a decent, upright, mature, and responsible person).
Monte and I were friends for 73 years. Older and wiser than me( by 4 days), Monte always had a positive attitude,was always a gentleman and thoughtful,helpful,supportive, kind,talented and modest.
What more could someone ask for in a friend? Monte Dennis Lavine – one of a kind.
Our Deepest Sympathies to all the Lavine Family. Monte was a very dear and gentle man. May all your loving and special memories always be a source of comfort and peace.
Monte and Nancy have been such close friends of ours for many years. We have spent many fun times together in Toronto, the Berkshires and of course Rochester. I will miss his wonderful smile and good humor. I will think of Monte every time I look at the two pictures of his that we have in our home. Your whole family has many wonderful memories to help you at this difficult time.
I am sorry for your loss. I am grateful to have known Monte, even if only for the last year of his life as a caregiver. Even in illness , Monte showed a love of life, a keen sense of humor and a joy in every day things. . He had a gentle spirit. His great love for Nancy always shown through his personality. I am grateful to have known him. I miss him.
Dear Nancy and family, I am so sorry to hear about Monte’s passing. He was such a kind person. I still picture him as the young dad that was there when I would come babysit! I know how difficult it is to watch Alzheimer’s disease take them away . May your memories bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Lana Nancy Keith Gregg Johnna and all your wonderful families. I don’t ever remember not knowing my handsome cousin Monte, He was the quite one, at all the family get together ‘s you would always see Monte off in a corner with one or two people having a conversation while the rest of us clamored in the middle to be heard.I know that he was a Loving and giving Husband father, brother and grandfather to you all, no favorites and so many stories of you all. May his struggles of the past year soon fade from your minds and the wonderful memories come to your hearts when you think of him. I know that is what I will cherish. Rest in peace Dear Monte we just all wish we had you longer.
My deepest condolences to Nancy and family on the loss of a very special man, who was my colleague and then manager at Kodak. I was lucky to have had his guidance at the early part of my career. He was kind and generous, and a very talented artist and designer. I am grateful to have known him. I wish Nancy and family peace and serenity as you weather this challenge. Rest in Peace Monte.
Lana, Nancy, and family, We are very sorry to hear of Monte’s death. We have fond memories of him, and send our deepest condolences to all.
Monte was one of the nicest people I have ever known. I know as I had the good fortune of being his roommate at Syracuse U when he was getting a degree in Industrial Desigh and I was in law school. I will not forget the blue VW, the one with the engine in the trunk, the blackout of 65 and more! Marianne and I send our sincere condolences to you Nancy and Lana and to the Lavine family.
My most sincere sympathy to you, Nancy, and your family for the loss of your husband, Monte. God Bless you all as you go through this time of sorrow. Keep in your mind and hearts all the great times that were had by all.