Dominic E Montemurro

Staff Sergeant Dominic E. Montemurro

It is with great sadness we announce, Dominic E. Montemurro, 28, of New Kensington, formerly of Fawn Township was taken from this life after a fatal motor vehicle accident on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

He graduated from Highlands High School. While there he joined Highlands Emergency Services Alliance (HESA) and Fawn Township VFD#2. For the past 12 years, Dominic earned multiple firefighter training certificates and has held several positions including Acting Fire Chief. His current rank was Captain.

From starting as a Tiger Scout, Dominic was always involved in service to others. He attended Allegheny County Camp Cadet and graduated as a top cadet and attended the Honors camp in Harrisburg. He collected hundreds of donated shirts for their "Sweats for Vets" give back. He earned his Eagle Scout Award by making and collecting over 150 handmade blankets for Project Linus.

Though he never made it up the ranks, he had the heart and determination of a Black Belt. Some of his best Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings were spent at Inner Strength Martial Arts with Dr. Ted Cibik.

Dominic graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Criminal Justice and minors in Legal Studies, Political Science and Sociology. He worked several years as a security officer and then as a Walmart Asset Protection Assistant Store Manager in Baden, Monaca and Kittanning.

After seeing a billboard along the side of the road for joining the Military, Dominic enlisted with the Air National Guard 171st Air Refueling Wing, Coraopolis, PA.  He received top Honors from Basic Training in Lackland Air Base, Texas with his class being the last in-person family audience before the Covid shutdown. He was the selected Dorm Chief from the time he got off the bus until graduation. While with the 171st, Dominic has visited such places as Oklahoma, Florida, Hawaii, and Japan. He received the Recognition of Airman of the Year in 2022. He has amassed a collection of Challenge coins, also. He was recently promoted to Staff Sergeant being humbled by earning the new stripe. He worked as Federal Tech Operations in Water and Fuel Systems weekdays and as a Drill Status Guardsman one weekend a month and 2 weeks a year. He loved his job. This was to be his forever career and planned on retiring there as the "Chief.''

Dominic's mottos were: 1. "I am the guy running in when others are running out'', and 2. "I work where the work needs done." He was always finding a reason to get his hands dirty or to weld something.

He will be missed and forever loved by his proud parents, Carmine and Michele (Planitzer) Montemurro and his sister, Adriana, who promises to continue to "do good."

If you were lucky enough to be Dominic's friend, you became family and he would do anything for you. His family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for letting Dominic become a part of your families and for loving him like a son and brother. Sit by a campfire and share some stories or go take a motorcycle ride to nowhere and back... He would like that. We welcome you sharing stories, pictures, and experiences of him with us because now you are our family bound together by the spirit of Dominic.

Additional surviving family includes, doting Grandmother Nancy "Mamo" Planitzer, Uncle Gino and Aunt Ha, Uncle Frank and Karen, Aunt Maria, Uncle Terry and Aunt Leslie, Aunt Sue and Uncle Cliff, Aunt Rita and Uncle Dave, Aunt Heidi and Uncle Jason, many cousins and his pet rabbit Onyx.

He was preceded in death by Grandparents Alan Planitzer, Elena Montemurro, Tomasso Montemurro and Aunt Elvira "Vivi" Manca.

In lieu of flowers and because of his dedication to country and community, we request donations be made to: Military Connections, 313 Tionesta Drive, New Kensington, PA 15068 or made to the family to aid in creating a scholarship fund for future firefighters in Dominic's name and honor.

Friends will be received Thursday and Friday, 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the Giunta-Bertucci Funeral Home, Inc, 1509 Fifth Avenue, Arnold, John Paul Bertucci, owner/supervisor. Prayers of transfer will take place on Saturday 9:30 am in the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass 10:00 am. in Mt. St. Peter R.C. Church. Burial will be private. To leave online condolences, visit www.Giunta-Bertucci.com.

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