Antonio Montoya

Antonio Montoya

Antonio Montoya Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 13, 2001.
As the initial shock subsides, Antonio Montoya's East Boston household is thinking of what lies ahead for their tightly knit Colombian family, one that has always been together for its most important holidays.

"There's never been a (Dec.) 31st that we've been separate. He always wanted the family to be together that day and Christmas," said Montoya's son, Jorge. "Wherever he was, he would always come home. It's something we bring from Colombia. All the family should be together to pray to God for the New Year. I know that's going to be hard for my mother and for us."

Montoya, 46, was among the passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 11 when hijackers slammed the plane into the World Trade Center. He came to the United States with his wife and son 20 years ago, and they had since had two daughters. He was looking forward to visiting his sister in California, his only sibling in the country. It had been years since he last saw her.

"He went by himself. He said next year, all of us will go," his son said.

A reservation mishap had him flying that Tuesday, instead of Monday, his son said.

Since then, family members have struggled to find a sense of closure without a burial. Mass was said for Montoya the Saturday after the Sept. 11 attack, and employees at the Boston Harbor Hotel, where Montoya worked as a houseman, tended for three weeks to hundreds of candles burning in the hotel's pavilion in tribute to Montoya and others killed in the terror attacks.

"He was just a wonderful individual, well liked, very popular. When you work in a place for 12 years, you know everyone," said Paul Jacques, the hotel's general manager. "A lot of people took it hard."

For nine days after he died, family members and friends gathered to pray in the Montoyas' home. His wife has prayed alone since then, their son said.

"My mother says if you have faith in God, God will help you to face these things and give you strength to move on," said Montoya's son. "For me, my father left and he just never came back. We know they won't find him."

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Sign Antonio Montoya's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 11, 2021

Giselle posted to the memorial.

August 30, 2019

Jacob S posted to the memorial.

September 14, 2016

Kaden Kueneman posted to the memorial.

Giselle

September 11, 2021

Twenty years has passed. But every year on this date , I remember the kind co worker , who sometimes would bring me a cup of tea or water when I was working at the coat room during the winter. And say a prayer for Antonio Montoya and his family.
God will always be you you all.
We will never forget.

Jacob S

August 30, 2019

I'm Jacob, and I am a sophomore at Shanley High School, and I am researching about Antonio Montoya for a project. I have come to realize that Antonio was an amazing person and that everyone liked him and cared about him. He was a great man and I send all of prayers to him and his family.

Kaden Kueneman

September 14, 2016

We will always remember you and all the victims of 9/11, and may you rest in peace. Over the past couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to do a research report on your life and the good that you did in this world. It was a great experience and my honor. I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family during this time of the year.

Del Newberry

December 2, 2015

As we enter this difficult time of year, when your family liked to be together, I know that it is very difficult and painful to go on without Antonio, but we must trust that God will bless each of you in special ways. I pause today to pray for the family specifically, and to Antonio's many friends as well. Much love from Texas,

S J. Friscia III

February 16, 2015

In Memory
With Honor & Respect.

maria

September 28, 2014

may you rest in peace. We will always remember victims of 9-11, praying for your family . God just needed an angel like you. Family always do what your dad would been proud of. Carry his legacy.

Laura

September 12, 2014

Praying for Antonio's family at this difficult time of year.

Michel Sevick

September 12, 2014

We will NEVER forget!

September 12, 2014

On September 11, 2014, I rode with the 2 Million Bikers to DC and 9/11 Truckers on the memorial ride to DC. Our tractor trailer was the lead truck. Each participate was given the name of someone they were riding in remembrance of...I was given Antonio. Just wanted to let you know that Antonio, along with the thousands of others, will never be forgotten.

Michelle Bickerton

September 11, 2014

Remembering Antonio on this anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy its been 13 years and I remember his smile and kind heart like it was yesterday-miss you a whole lot Antonio-
Michelle-Boston Harbor Hotel family

September 9, 2013

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it's the memories of you that are the most precious.

By Lamaretta Simmons

mario castrillon

September 12, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Peggy Childers

September 11, 2011

To the family and friends of Antonio Montoya:
Antonio will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.

Diana Ramirez

September 1, 2011

May the Lord continue to watch over your family and may you rest in peace in his arms for all eternity

Mark Schwindenhammer

September 11, 2009

Antonio Montoya was one of the kindest people at The Boston Harbor Hotel. I remember his wonderful attitude and infectious smile. I did not know him well, but I will remember him my entire life.

Jonathan

September 11, 2009

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nicko

September 11, 2009

2001 was not his time to go. It is so sad that it was the first December 31's that they were not together. Best Regards

P Tabbernor

June 7, 2007

In memory....

Kristine

November 2, 2006

As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

Jeannie Ammermann

October 15, 2005

To Cindy and the entire Montoya family, The world will always remember Antonio, our work continues since that day to ensure he is never forgotten. I hope you will contact me so we can speak about our work and you and the family will see how we work to preserve Antonio's beautiful memory, life and legacy. His sacrifice will never be forgotten

Sara Montoya

October 30, 2002

Jorge, you may feel alone and that your father has been forgotten but thats not true. There are many people still thinking and praying for the families who's lives have been affected by the horrible tragedy of 9-11. Your father is in good hands now. My prayer is that you will find peace and comfort in knowing that one day you will see your father again. God Bless You and your mom. Jorge, your family is not forgotten. sm

Wendy T

September 10, 2002

Hello, even thou I never meet your father I hope that you and your family found the relief from God... I hope your family is doing good. I wish I could've seen you when I went to Eastie but never heard from you again. Kelly... David B. told me about your father...

Wendy

Shanna McEwen

September 3, 2002

To the Montoya Family:

You dont know me,but my mother gave blood to support the victims and we were lucky enough to recieve your name as our person.This holiday and as the anniversary of this tragic event comes close your family and Antonio with be in my heart and prays.Dont think of death as a bad thing think of it as you know an Angel by name and know he watches you from above and guards you everyday.

God Bless you,All my love to your family.

August 14, 2002

Antonio, I love you. The worst day of my life began when Cathy told me you were no longer with us. I couldn't believe it... I still can't. My throat tightens up just thinking about you...so many emotions still locked up inside. Your spirit, however, lives on. I can feel you watching over us sometimes. You remain in my prayers. You will never be forgotten.

June 8, 2002

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN..ANTONIO MONTOYA AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE GOOD PEOPLE FROM COLOMBIA..MAY JESUS AND ST.ANTHONY GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN

Jenny Alzate

May 30, 2002

Mis mas sentido pesame para la familia de Antonio y todos los fallecidos del 11 de Septiembre. Con la fe de nuestro redentor todos esas personas caidas ese fatidico dia estan descanzando en paz, y para sus familiares fuerza y esperanza de que un dia los volveran a ver, mucha fuerza que desde el mas alla donde ellos estan, ellos estan con ustedes y velaran siempre por ustedes tambien. La vida sigue y hay que vivirla de la mejor manera y nunca olvidarnos de esas incentes personas. Con mucho dolor en mi alma por lo pasado, nuevamente mis mas sentido pesame. Familia Alzate, Pastrana

Sheila Werland

March 20, 2002

God be with the family of Antonio and bring them peace and healing.

Paige Davies

March 11, 2002

I had the pleasure of working with Antonyio over the past 11 years and want you to know that he is deeply missed. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with your family.

Kathy Swaringen

January 31, 2002

Yesterday, January 30, 2002, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of Antonio Montoya and all the family friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not greive alone.



Antonio, May you rest in peace and know that you will not be forgotten.

Danielle

January 25, 2002

I can't even begin to imagine what you all are going through. Do know that you and Antonio are in my prayers.

Angela

January 21, 2002

I am so sorry for your loss. My sister purchased a MERCY BAND from our church here in Albuquerque, she prays for your family everyday that she wears it. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will give you peace that passes all understanding and that it will guard your families heart and mind. God Bless you through season in your life. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Teresa Jahn

January 11, 2002

We are very sorry for your great loss of Antonio. May his life and love continue living in you. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by warm memories of times shared with him. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

Felix Bueno

January 10, 2002

Las palabras son pocas e insignificantes delante de esta tragedia, el dolor es grande y hasta el odio ha llegado a nuestros corazones. Violaron nuestras vidas, violaron nuestra forma de vivir y hasta nuestro fututo fue violado, pero venceremos y aunque con esto no regresemos a Antonio a su familia, aseguraremos de que no cometan la misma cobardia con ningun ser humano nuevamente.

Antonio, tu y los demas hermanos del 11 de sept. estaran siempre presente en nuestras vidas y en futuras generaciones.

Ines Echeverria

October 5, 2001

Dios los ayude a recuperarse de tan tragica perdida. Mis pensamientos y rezos estan con ustedes. Crean que el espiritu no muere y un dia podran volver a estar juntos.

nancy morales

October 4, 2001

May God grant you the peace and consolation needed in this desperate time.

Barbara Bolin

September 27, 2001

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

ANTONIO MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

September 22, 2001

Although I worked with Antonio, I did not know him well. I saw his smiling face almost every day, mostly at lunch time in our employee cafeteria. My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues in the Housekeeping Department of the hotel. My prayers are with you.

Crista Vastola

September 19, 2001

He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

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Sign Antonio Montoya's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 11, 2021

Giselle posted to the memorial.

August 30, 2019

Jacob S posted to the memorial.

September 14, 2016

Kaden Kueneman posted to the memorial.