Ivan

Montoya

Ivan Montoya, 80, of Ridgefield, NJ passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Hackensack University Medical Center.  After a brave, long, hard fought 12 years post open-heart surgery from which he never recovered, Ivan took his last breath holding his wife's hand. Ivan was born in Caramanta Antioquia, Colombia on September 9, 1943, to the late Maria del Socorro Escobar and Cecilio Antonio Montoya. He is predeceased by his brother Jairo, and his sister Ruby. Beloved husband to his wife of 50 years, Amparo (nee Jaramillo) whom he loving called "mi flaquita."  Beloved father and father-in-law to Erika Velez and her husband Sergio, Ryan and his wife Damina.  Loving Abuelo to his four grandchildren Isabella and Ariana Velez, and Levi and Luke Montoya.  Dear brother to Carlos, Rocio, Ensueño, Duvan, Marina, Francisco Javier and Andres Jacobo.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Ivan worked as a Flight Dispatcher for Avianca Airlines for 12 years. He came to the United States on December 8, 1973 in pursuit of the American dream. He worked for Baltek Corporation for 37 years in Quality Control, before retiring in June 2010.  He was president of Local 475 for many years and a very active member of the Labor Union. Ivan was an avid walker, dancer, soccer and baseball fan, and he never met a breakfast diner he didn't like. He loved to swim in the ocean, complain about the Yankees, and indulge in a good, hot cup of "cafecito."  He was quite the fashionista with an extensive, colorful wardrobe and was a serious shoe and wristwatch enthusiast. But there was nothing that he loved more than his wife, kids and grandkids. Prior to his surgery, he could be found delivering breakfast in bed to his wife on Saturday and Sunday mornings or bread from his favorite Colombian bakery to his daughter. You could also find him at Gymboree adding to his granddaughters' wardrobe, or reading books to them despite claiming "his English wasn't good."  There was not a single thing he would not do for his most prized gift from God, his son. Ivan was a devout Catholic and rarely skipped mass at St. Matthew's Church. He dreamt of living his retirement years near the ocean but sadly, was never able to realize that dream. Ivan also loved to travel to different islands and enjoyed many Caribbean summer vacations with his beloved bride. Ivan will be missed dearly, but his family finds tremendous solace in that he is now finally at peace and no longer suffering after fighting to stay by their side for almost 13 years post heart surgery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ivan's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital.