Each year the Pittston Tomato Festival committee chooses a grand marshal. This year, instead of one, two very deserving people have been chosen.
At 100-years of age, Chester Montante will be one of the 2019 grand marshals, along with the recently retired Pittston’s Meals-on-Wheels director Louise Smith.
Montante, a lifelong resident of Pittston, celebrated his 100th birthday May 30 with a few celebration parties honoring the milestone.
“I’ve very thrilled and honored to have been chosen grand marshal this year,” Montante said. “Celebrating 100 years is special in itself and being a grand marshal is the icing on the cake.”
Montante is a 1937 graduate of Pittston High School and has been the husband of Maria Capolarella-Montante for the last 28 years.
He has led an interesting life working and owning a shoeshine stand at an early age. Upon graduating from Pittston High School, he was drafted into the Army, serving in the Medical Corp during World War II.
After the war, he worked in the linen supply business for several years until finding a job at Owens Illinois, working his way up to a supervisor role until retirement 37 years ago at the age of 63.
Since retirement, Montante attends church regularly and can be found by Maria’s side at many of Pittston’s political and social events where the duo participate.
“Chester, along with his wife Maria have cheerfully and selflessly volunteered for organizations in Greater Pittston for decades,” Tomato Festival chairperson Lori Nocito said.
Montante is the father of Ann (deceased), Charlene and Caroline by his late first wife Concetta. He is the stepfather to Maria’s children Marilyn and Michele.
Louise Smith retired this past spring as Pittston Meals on Wheels director after 23 years of serving Greater Pittston.
The lifelong resident of West Pittston stepped down from the job she loved due to vision issues. At the age of 88, she felt it was time to pass the baton.
Smith was feted at a retirement party at the Meals on Wheels headquarters on Main Street in Pittston on May 5 of this year where her children, Jackie, Jill Space and Jamey were in attendance, along with other family members and friends.
She was given proclamations from the PA House of Representatives Reps. Michael Carroll and Aaron Kaufer.
Smith spent a lifetime dedicated to community service as a member of the West Pittston Women’s Club and the West Pittston Library.
“I’ve always admired and respected Louise for her selfless in dedication to Meals on Wheels,” Nocito said. “She has been a true servant leader who set a fine example for countless volunteers.”
Now living with her daughter in Forty Fort, Smith is elated about being named as a 2019 co-grand marshal of the Tomato Festival.
“I’m absolutely blown away and I’m in total shock,” she said when hearing the news. “It’s an honor to be co-named with Chester, as well.”
Smith has participated in the parade representing Meals on Wheels for 23 years.
The Tomato Festival Parade steps off Saturday, Aug. 17 at 10:30 a.m.
