Joe Mongini

Joe Mongini, of Lake Montezuma and longtime resident of the Verde Valley, died peacefully at his home on February 14, 2015. He was 96 years old. Born in Maggiora, Italy in 1918, he was the son of Agapito and Caterina Mongini. In July of 1921 at the age of 3, Joe, his parents and three older brothers sailed for their new home in America arriving at Ellis Island on July 20th. The family settled in the Verde Valley and found their way into the dairy business. Joe learned at an early age the value of hard work which served him well throughout his life. Following graduation from Clarkdale High School, Joe was accepted at Arizona State Teachers College (now ASU) on a work study program. Due to his experience on the family dairy, he worked his way through college bottling milk for the school. Joe lettered in track, was a member of numerous campus organizations, was elected Student Council auditor, and voted "Most Popular Man" on campus. He graduated with a teaching certificate and degree in Accounting. Joe spent a brief time following graduation working for Kennecott Copper Co. in Ray, AZ, before being drafted into the Army. He was stationed at Fort MacArthur, San Pedro, CA, where he quickly rose through the ranks to Sergeant Major. While on base, he met and fell in love with his wife to be, Lylia. He was in the dental chair and she was his lovely dental assistant. Following his discharge from the Army, Joe worked briefly for California Bank and Bank of America, before opening an escrow business in Torrance, CA. He was a member of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, and Kiwanis Club. Upon retirement in 1967, Joe returned home to Cottonwood to be near family. In 1969, he was elected to the Cottonwood City Council and later became Mayor of Cottonwood. Lake Montezuma became his home, in 1972, where he lived for 43 years. The move to Lake Montezuma provided opportunity for many hours on the golf course, which he loved. Joe also thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with his five grandchildren. In addition to teaching them to be excellent Gin players, he took them on fishing adventures, and most importantly taught them the value of a good sense of humor. From an early age, Joe had an interest in staying active which continued into his 96th year. Joe could frequently be seen taking his daily walks through the streets of Lake Montezuma. Joe knew no strangers; he had a zest for life, a curiosity about the world around him, and deeply loved his family. Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents Agapito and Caterina Mongini, his three brothers Emil, Adolph and Frank Mongini and younger sister Catherine Mongini. Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 69 years, Lylia Mongini of Lake Montezuma; his daughters Jeana Cranmer (Richard) of Cottonwood, Ann Lovett (Dennis) of Bakersfield, CA; and five grandchildren (Malia Cranmer, Nick Cranmer, Briana Cranmer, Evan Lovett, and Juliana Lovett). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Beaver Creek Adult Center, 4250 E. Zuni Way, Rimrock, AZ 86335. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Camp Verde at 11:00 a.m. The rosary service will be held just prior to the memorial at 10:30 a.m. There will be a reception and celebration of Joe\u0027s life immediately after the service at 12:30 p.m. at Vintage\u0027s Grille (5155 N. Dave Wingfield Rd., Lake Montezuma). An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com