Colton Honors Local Hero Frank Montaño

COLTON >> Frank Montaño, an army veteran who fought in Korea, was honored by a banner with his name and photo for all of Colton to see. The banner, which proudly honors the hometown hero, was placed June 21 on D Street and La Cadena Drive. Immediate family and those close to Montaño went to the banner installation to see the banner placed. Mary Lou Navarro, Montaño’s sister, said he loved living in Colton for most of his life and was always happy to help people if they needed anything. Although Montaño worked in construction for most of his life, Navarro said he loved to help people with their cars whenever someone needed him. “He was a very quiet man but always there for everyone who needed him,” Navarro said. “There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family.” Navarro said having the banner placed in his honor and memory means the whole world to her and his family. She said the two were close as he has always remained special to her. “We wish he would have been here to see it because he would have been very proud and we are very proud,” Navarro said. “It was a very emotional time for us and brought us all to tears. I go by every Sunday after to church so I get to see him almost every day.” Montaño married his wife Margaret and also had three sisters, one brother, two daughters — Jessica and Frances — and one son, Frank Jr. His youngest daughter, Frances Montaño, passed away in 2015. In addition to his family, Montaño had four granddaughters and two grandsons. The family, Navarro said, were all touched with how the banner placement was done. “It was a very special moment for them and for all of us,” Navarro said. “Now they can go by and see him and remember him and how he was. Navarro recalls a moment at the ceremony that made the family smile when Montaño’s daughter Jessica said, “My dad was a good-looking hunk.” Navarro said Montaño was a quiet but humble man, happy to help anyone. “We are very proud of him and we miss him a lot,” Navarro said. Montaño passed away at 68 years old. He would have been 69 in November.