Philip Monticello

Phil was born on Aug. 7, 1934, to Theodore (Dominic) Monticello and Vienna (Maki) Monticello.

He attended Catholic school in Hancock through eighth grade, and graduated from Hancock High School with the class of 1953. He served in the United States Navy in 1956-57.

On April 29, 1961 he married Judy Kangas/Ryan. In 1962, they moved to the Detroit area, where Phil attended Greene’s Barber College. He and his wife lived in Royal Oak for 10 years while he worked as a barber. Their three children were born in Royal Oak.

In 1971, Phil and family returned to Hancock where he and his cousin Eugene Monticello, owned and operated Gentlemen’s Choice Barber Shop for over 40 years. Phil was always willing to help friends and neighbors with projects. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready to tease someone or tell one of his many jokes.

Phil lived in Ripley and was a member of the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department. He loved golfing at the Calumet Golf Course, and playing hockey and baseball in his younger years. He was an avid Detroit Lion and Detroit Tiger fan.

Phil is survived by his wife, Judy; a son, Michael (Ann Marie) of Longmont, Colorado, and their children, Connor and Parker; a daughter, Laura (Dale) Verran of Hancock and children Christopher and Robert Leer; a son, Gerry (Patti) of Rapid River and their children, Ashleigh and Philip; sisters, Carol Wilson of Dollar Bay and Linda (Craig) Halbert of Brighton; and by several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Layla and Luca Rivera; and step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jessica (Raymone) Gude and children, Lynn and Logan, Andrew (Meghan) Verran and daughter, Paisley, Nicholas (Marissa) Verran, and Krystin (Carl) Wilson and son Thomas.

Preceding his in death were his parents; and a beloved granddaughter, Linzy Monticello.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, with Deacon Martin Thompson to officiate. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton with the Copper Country Veterans Association conducting military honors. Friends may call at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home for an hour before services.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Tunnel of Towers Foundation.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.