James Jeremiah "Jim" Montalto, architect, teacher, veteran, devoted husband and father, and a man of deep Catholic faith, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102½.

Born in Wellsville, Ohio, in 1924, Jim was the son of Norman and Mary Montalto, Sicilian immigrants whose courage, hard work, and love of country helped shape the course of his life. His father arrived in America in 1913, built successful businesses, and considered becoming an American citizen one of his proudest achievements. The family's memorial tile at Ellis Island remains a tribute to that journey.

Jim and his brother Paul came of age during the Great Depression. Jim worked in a steel mill as a teenager, and in high school he was a talented basketball player, gymnast, and accomplished harmonica player.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained for service in the Pacific Theatre. While his ship was en route to the war zone, halfway across the Pacific, word came that World War II had ended. Jim remained deeply proud throughout his life of a generation that understood duty, service, and sacrifice.

While on leave during his military training, Jim met the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Daprile. They married in 1951 and shared more than 65 years together, building a family, a business, and a life filled with friendship and hospitality. Betty ran the business with precision while Jim brought imagination and creativity to the architecture. As the family liked to say, Jim designed the buildings, but Betty ran the universe.

Using the GI Bill, Jim studied architecture at The Ohio State University and was a devoted student of Frank Lloyd Wright. After beginning his career in Columbus, he moved to Akron in 1955 and practiced architecture for more than 60 years. He designed award-winning buildings, developed an exceptional knowledge of materials and construction, and became known as the architect people called when a problem was difficult and the solution was not obvious.

In 1964, Jim designed and built the family home in Copley, with help from his older brother Paul. It became the center of family life, memorable gatherings, and legendary dinner parties. Jim and Betty were both excellent cooks, and together they made hospitality an art form.

His passion for architecture extended naturally to teaching. What began as a part-time invitation from Dean Joe Morbido at Kent State University in 1960 became a 35-year commitment to educating young architects. He also helped lead Kent State's Florence student exchange program, strengthening connections between Ohio and Italy and forming friendships that endured for decades. Jim and Betty, who always traveled with him, returned to Italy many times.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He could be demanding and exacting, but those who knew him understood that it came from a deep desire to see thing and people become the best they could be. He remained physically active late into his 90's and approached life with the same discipline, curiosity, and determination that had always defined him.

At the center of Jim's life was his Catholic faith. Quiet, steady, and deeply personal, it remained with him throughout his life. He continued to pray the rosary daily.

Over 102 years, Jim witnessed extraordinary changes-the Great Depression, World War II, the rise of modern architecture, the moon landing, and the digital age, all while retaining his humor, optimism, and love of family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Mary Montalto; his beloved wife, Betty; and his children, Mary Gina and Gregg. He is survived by his son, Thomas (wife Jackie); grandchildren Ian, Milo, Nathan, and Samantha; great-grandchildren Rudi, Corrine, and Felix; and countless relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Jim's legacy can be seen in the buildings he designed and the generations of students he taught, but it lives most meaningfully in his family and in the values he passed on: faith, discipline, creativity, hard work, optimism, love of family, pride in his heritage, and gratitude for his country.

James Montalto lived an exceptionally long life! Aa life of faith, family, creativity, service, and love.

What a great Run!

The family will receive guests Thursday August 27, 2026 from 5-8pm at the Hummel Funeral Home located at 2800 W. Market St. Fairlawn, OH 44333. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday August 28, 2026, 10am at Guardian Angels Catholic Church located at 1676 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd. Copley, OH 44321.