NIAGARA FALLS — Nino Montani, 90, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2012, at   Schoellkopf Health Care Facility in Niagara Falls, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Guido and Elisa (Catano) Montani.  

Nino was raised and educated in Niagara Falls. During the early 1940s, Nino was a member of the Washington Redskins Marching Band, the first NFL team to have a band. He served in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant during World War II from October 30, 1942, until his honorable discharge on January 10, 1946. He was involved in the campaigns of Central Europe and Rhineland and was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Metal and American Service Medal. On September 13, 1947, Nino married Mary (Maietta) Montani in St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls. Nino was employed for 40 years at the former Hooker Chemical, currently Occidental Chemical Company, as a principal control instrument engineer. He traveled extensively throughout the world for his job, and in 1953 on his dining room table, founded the Hooker Employee Federal Credit Union, which is today known as Niagara's Choice Federal Credit Union.

Nino was an avid bowler and participated in the Hooker bowling league. In the 1970s, he served as a Democratic Committeeman. He was also a member of the American Legion Portage Post, served as past director of the Credit Union Association of New York State, and in 2002 was elected into the Hall of Fame Credit Union Association of New York State. In his leisure time, Nino enjoyed working on cars, particularly his Chevrolet Corvair, as well as working on home projects. Most of all, Nino loved spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, Mr. Montani is survived by three  children, Gloria (Louis)  Salciccioli of Wheatfield, NY; Marie Shank of Huntington Beach, CA; and Paul Montani of    Niagara Falls, NY; five grandchildren, Louis (Dana) Salciccioli of Tonawanda, NY; Christopher Salciccioli, Anthony (fiancee' Sarah Domenech) Salciccioli, both of Niagara Falls, NY; Rachelle LeBrille of Frisco, TX; and Vanessa (Duane) Hill of Stanton, CA; five great-grandchildren, Justin, Evan, Collin, Ryan and Michael; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by one brother, Augustino (Anne of Town of Niagara, NY) Montani.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Saturday, November 24th at 9:15 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Ave., Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, O.S.F.S., officiating. Entombment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.

Please visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.