Alfred (Al) Monty

BARRE TOWN - Alfred R. (Al) Monty passed peacefully into the loving hands of God on Monday, January 2, 2017 surrounded by his devoted wife and children.

Al was born in Northfield, VT, June 29, 1934 to Charles and Valeda (Bedard) Monty. He grew up in Washington, VT. He graduated Class of 1952 from Spaulding High School in Barre.

On April 16, 1955, he married the love of his life, Anita (Cano), who survives him. Al and Anita were the parents of four children; Susan (Skip) Poczobut, David (Cristy), Edward (Robin) and Alan (Lauren). He was particularly proud of his grandchildren; Michael (Sandra) & David Poczobut, Kathryn & Allison Monty, Andy & Rob Marcotte, Nicole (Kyle) & Luke Caron; Emily & Heather Monty, and Jacqueline, Paige, Alexis and Anthony Monty. There was always a youthful spark from him when he interacted with his three great grandchildren, Alexander, Emilia & Jackson Poczobut. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and other extended family including a special sister-in-law, Therese Monty.

Al is survived by one sister, Lise Leary. He was predeceased by his parents, five siblings & their spouses, and all of Anita’s sisters & spouses

Al began his full-time career with Montgomery Ward in Barre, retiring after 35 years.

Although Montgomery Ward dominated his life from 9-5, his passion for square dancing consumed his after-work hours. Growing up, Al would sing as he milked cows on the family farm. Discovering a talent for music early on, he attended local barn dances where he began his square dance calling career. It was at one of these dances that he met his future wife.

In early years, Al taught square dancing to students of all ages in almost every town in Washington County. For many years, Square Dance Class was mandatory in the PE programs in Montpelier. Each school year would culminate with festivals at both the Barre Auditorium and Plumley Armory at Norwich. In later years, Al traveled throughout the state teaching adults to dance. He taught his last class in December. The friendships that Al & Anita forged with all the people they met throughout the many years were cherished by both of them.

In 1976, Vermont Life featured Al in an article titled “King of the Callers”. For many years, Al, along with dancers were guests on WCAX’s “Across The Fence”. Al was honored as one of WCAX’s Super Seniors in 2015. He also attended Auctioneer School and presided over many local auctions.  Al’s accomplishments were also profiled on “Chronicle”, a Boston news program.

Although not formally trained, Al had a gift for building and design. He “never wasted a square inch of space” in his designs. His rudimentary scratching on a sheet of graph paper, along with keen negotiation and management skills resulted in the successful completion of many building projects, including homes for himself and all his children. Al designed the Granite Hills Credit Union building in Barre and served as the General Contractor for a large infrastructure project at St. Monica Parish.   His last unfinished project was for a new Parish rectory.

Al was a spiritual man and was a life-long member of St. Monica Parish serving on the building and grounds & finance committees. For many years Al & his sons served together as ushers at Mass. Al continued to serve as an usher every Saturday evening.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, January 8 at Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, Academy St., Barre. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Monica on Monday, January 9 at 11 a.m.

To honor Al’s legacy and help bring his final dream full circle, memorial contributions may be made to a St. Monica Parish Rectory Fund, 79 Summer St., Barre, VT.