Michael Jude Montanarella
November 21, 1988 - March 24, 2021

Michael Jude Montanarella of Phoenix, Arizona, died suddenly on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the age of 32. He is survived by his parents Dr. Paul Montanarella, Donna Montanarella, Step-Mother Cindy, his brother Tommy, sister Christina and brother-in-law Jared Rutan, his sister Stacy and brother-in-law Mike Parrilli, brother Joey, nephew Everett Rutan, niece Adelina Rutan, his grandmother, Eleanor Farfaglia, his fiancé, Heather Sherwin and her two boys Cash and Cain, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his paternal grandparents Dr. Joseph and Bea Montanarella and his maternal grandfather Salvatore Farfaglia, and his best friend Gotti.

Michael was born on November 21, 1988 in Bronxville, New York. His family moved to Arizona in 1994. From the time of his infancy, Michael was a very social, out-going and loving son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend to all. He was deeply respectful and reverent to his grandparents who were very special to him. He made everyone laugh with his good sense of humor, jokes and antics. Michael was a very giving, compassionate and loving person. He was always certain to make sure you knew that he cared for you and loved you. Michael had an adventurous mind that never ceased to amaze anyone. One of Michael's greatest accomplishments was being the proud founder and operator of "MSent Mail", an app for sending photos and letters between prison inmates and their loved ones. Michael loved being with his family, boxing, mixed martial arts, motocross and riding dirtbikes or shooting BB guns with his son Cash. In an unstable world that looks for permanency, Michael's tattoos expressed what was important to him: Saint Michael the Archangel, the family name of Montanarella, and "Pride"--the only thing that could not be taken from him.

A wake for Michael will be held on Monday, April 5 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM at Hansen Mortuary, located at 8314 N 7th St Phoenix, AZ 85020. Requiem Mass on Tuesday will be held on April 6 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 750 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85041. Funeral to follow at East Resthaven Park Cemetery, 4310 E Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042.

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