Contact
Gerarda Montesanto
November 12, 1942 - September 29, 2023
Visitation
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Geneva
175 South Broadway
Geneva, OH 44041
(440) 466-4324 |
Monday 10/9, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Geneva
175 South Broadway
Geneva, OH 44041
(440) 466-4324 |
Monday 10/9, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cemetery
Whitehaven Memorial Park
615 Som Center Rd,
Mayfield, Oh 44143
Tuesday 10/10
Mass
Assumption Catholic Church
594 West Main Street
Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-3427 |
Tuesday 10/10, 10:00 am

Gerarda Montesanto of Geneva, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 at her home with her daughter there by her side; she was 80 years old.  Born on November 12, 1942 in Naples, Italy she was the daughter of Michael and Teresa (Amato) Tortora.

Gerarda and her husband, Pasquale owned several bars and restaurants over the years, most notably Montesanto’s Pasta House and the Wine Barrell Bar in Geneva.  For the last 20 years she worked as a cook for Ferrante Winery.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Montesanto; son, Tony (Jayne) Jensen; grandchildren, Audrey Marie Swope, Breanna Lynn McKinney, Christian Matthew Applegate and Dustin Roby; great grandchildren, Hailey, Alexis, Noah, and Rhyliee. Gerarda was preceded in death by her parents; 21 brothers and sisters; her husband, Pasquale; and her daughter, Sofia Teresa Applegate.

Friends will be received from 1-3pm and 5-7pm on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway in Geneva.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 594 West Main Street in Geneva with a burial to follow at Whitehaven Memorial Park 615 SOM Center Road in Mayfield. After the burial there will be a reception at Assumption Church to which all are welcome. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com

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Visitation
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Geneva
175 South Broadway
Geneva, OH 44041
(440) 466-4324 | Map
Monday 10/9, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Geneva
175 South Broadway
Geneva, OH 44041
(440) 466-4324 | Map
Monday 10/9, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cemetery
Whitehaven Memorial Park
615 Som Center Rd,
Mayfield, Oh 44143
Map
Tuesday 10/10
Mass
Assumption Catholic Church
594 West Main Street
Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-3427 | Map
Tuesday 10/10, 10:00 am
Charity
Make a Memorial Donation
Donate Now

Gerarda Montesanto of Geneva, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 at her home with her daughter there by her side; she was 80 years old.  Born on November 12, 1942 in Naples, Italy she was the daughter of Michael and Teresa (Amato) Tortora. Gerarda and her husband, Pasquale owned several bars and restaurants over …
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Joanne S. left a message on October 10, 2023:
Dearest Geralda Montesanto & Michelle. I'll miss your mother. The boys said "Oh mom, I miss Mrs. M. She was like a mother to us growing up next store. Love "L" Michelle. Michelle, my mom told us Mrs. Montesanto went to sleep 9/29/23. I'm living out the country now & wish we could have come home Sleep & rest now". Michelle you know we all loved Geralda (Gerry). If we can do anything to get you through this let us know. In the mean time we have you in our prayers. Love, Rob & Jo S.
Mike Montesanto left a message on October 10, 2023:
Though I didn't know her well, I knew her well enough to know that she had a big heart. She would always make me smile and even laugh, and would never, ever leave me hungry! The world is a better place because she lived. Thank the Lord for my Aunt. Good bye Zia Girarda
Laura Pasqual left a message on October 6, 2023:
Michelle & Family I’m so sorry for your Great Loss! My Thoughts & Prayers are with you all Such an Amazing Woman ! Ger will be missed immensely. One in a Billion!! Fly High My Sweet Angel Laura Pasqual
SHIRLEY J MARTIN-TUTOLO left a message on October 5, 2023:
Dear Michelle, our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to all the family. Your mother was a kind loving lady. She will be missed by all.
Robin left a message on October 4, 2023:
My deepest condolences to Michelle and family I know how much you love your mom. She was such a hardworking woman. Always cooking for her family. I loved her canolis! The last time I seen her was at your house a few years back. I asked her if she engenders me? She said, " yes, you the skinny b&$#h"! Lol ❤️ you Michelle hugs
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Maverick J Rose left a message on October 4, 2023:
I still remember the first time I worked with Gerry. I remember she acted like she was going to stab my co-worker Kathy at the time in a somewhat joking manner. As a young man entering a job in high school, I remember her as one of the best influences I could have had at the time. She may have swore, yelled and gotten frustrated a million times but that was her way of showing how much she cared about the job as well as you. I still talk about her to this day and remember fondly all of the crazy things she used to say and do at work as well as sometimes out working us young kids in the back. To this day in my Air Force career I think back to Gerry and how working in that winery with her toughened me up in ways I never expected and prepared me more for the real world than any class or school ever could. I can't thank Gerry enough for the things she taught me through her harsh love and harder work. Gerry will be dearly missed, and I can't express how much love she showed us young kids in the back while we worked with her, in ways only she could do.
Annette (Macchia) Barry left a message on October 3, 2023:
Dear Michelle, our deepest sympathy and love and prayers. Love you very much! Prayers for all of your family. Your dear Mom sure was one of kind! She made me laugh many times. I enjoyed countless dishes of her delicious cavatelli. Rest well Geri. XOXO
Tortora Antonio left a message on October 3, 2023:
Sentite condoglianze dalla famiglia Tortora Antonio-Squittieri Antonietta e figlie
Antonio Tortora left a message on October 3, 2023:
Sentite condoglianze dalla famiglia Tortora Antonio- Squittieri Antonietta e famiglia
Behm Family Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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