Albert J. Monestero
April 18, 1941 – April 19, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we share that on April 19, 2024, our family patriarch and Nanu, Albert Joseph Monestero, passed into the arms of Jesus at the age of 83 years and 1 day.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Albert Joseph Monestero and Rose Vacanti Monestero and is survived by his wife, Nancy Enzoler; children: Theresa & Greg Vassios, Tony & Alice Monestero, Angela & Troy Kohls and David & Chanin Monestero.
Al, Bertie to his family, was born in Omaha, Nebraska and was the oldest of four siblings; Rose McGregor, Judy Anderson & Joe Monestero. As a second generation Sicilian he grew up around friends and family in Omaha’s Little Italy. He attended Train Elementary School and went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s High School. Al met his future wife, Nancy while they were at St. Joe.
Shortly after their wedding Al and Nancy started a family. Second to his commitment to and relationship with Jesus, family was Al’s pride and joy. Al & Nancy were blessed with 4 children, 10 grandchildren: Jamie Monestero, Nikolas & Hannah Vassios, Michaela & Jordan Frost, Maria & Charlie Miller, Anthony Monestero, Maddie & John Parker, Rachel Kohls & Noah Eggena, Gabi Monestero, Anna Kohls, and Eli & Tiffany Monestero; 13 great-grandchildren: DeJa, Destiny, Kitana, Theodore, Quincy, Georgia, Andrea, Daxton, Charlotte, Arianna, Henry, Macklin and Sarah.
Al was a storyteller, a jokester and a magician – known especially for his disappearing quarter trick. Many friends, family, and kids at church will remember him pulling the quarter from behind their ear after it disappeared in to thin air. He was also known to many as “the gum man” – especially to children at church who sought him out after the service to be treated to a piece of bubble-gum.
Al’s career took him from the Corp of Engineers, to Allied Oil & Tire, American Concrete Products and ultimately to starting his own business. Al founded Artisan Stone Company in 1996. During his 25 years, he was well known in the community and industry for his high-quality craftsmanship, his attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to his customers. As he transitioned toward retirement, his son, David took over the leadership role at Artisan Stone and has continued the legacy that Al began.
In addition to his family and work keeping him busy, Al was actively involved as a teacher and in leadership at Trinity Church Interdenominational where they attended for more than 20 years. He built and cultivated many relationships with a focus on salvation and community.
If one thing could be said about Al, in addition to his love of family, it was his joy in meeting and developing relationships with others and his generosity. Not a day went by without him thinking of and praying for his family and friends. We will miss him terribly, but he’s left us with a wonderful legacy of love and compassion.
VISITATION: Monday, April 29, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at West Center Chapel. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 11:00 am at Christ Community Church 404 S. 108th Avenue, Omaha, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Step Up to Life or Christ Community Church.
7 Comments
Al was such a great man and lived the best Christian life for his family and friends to emulate. Although there is grief in his passing, I pray that the joy of knowing that he is finally experiencing true life will comfort you until we all see him again.
Prayers to the Monestero Family.
Loved Al. So grateful for having him in my life throughout my career at Artisan Stone. RIP Superman.
To my childhood friend and family. Just know In times of great sadness, look back and take comfort in all of the beautiful memories you made. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. I certainly have a lot of fond memories of my childhood with you in it.
I grew up attending church youth group with Al’s son, David. I always liked Al, Nancy, and their whole family (David, too, of course – 🙂 ). Although I always enjoyed talking with the adults as much, if not more, than my peers, Al was particularly engaging and accessible. He just always seemed fun-loving and comfortable in his own skin. He didn’t talk down to the youth, but also didn’t try to be one. I just always liked him, and the whole family. The last time I saw him was when he attended my sweet wife’s funeral. I know he and Nancy attended as much for my parents, as for me. But, I know they were also there for me, and their sincerity was felt, as was Dave and Chanin’s, of course. I pray the family is able to remember the happy times, and I am, very genuinely, sorry to hear of Al’s passing. May he truly rest in peace, and may your family be comforted.
Sad to say goodbye to Bertie we we classmates at st joe god bless family
my codolences to family especially nancy and uncle bill who i spoke to when he lived here atwellington. goodbye classmate bertie god blesss
Nancy Jo and Bertie are remembered as a special couple way back to high school days. We will miss you, Bertie, and I am so sorry for your loss, Nancy Jo—and glad you came to Mercy High.
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