Mike Montoya was born on January 19, 1943 in Gilman, Colorado to Marcelino and Delfina Griego Montoya. The youngest of 10, he thrived exploring and fishing the Eagle river in his backyard. He moved to San Jose, California at 12, graduated from Samuel Ayer High, and promptly entered the Marine Corps. Upon return home he found his lifelong love, Joan Holland, earned his Associates degree from San Jose City College, and landed a job at IBM, from where he would retire after 30 years. He and Joan married in Reno, Nevada in 1966, and they have been best friends for those 59 years. They moved to Morgan Hill in 1975 to raise their young family of three.

He was a devoted family man who loved to fish, garden, barbecue, teach Bible classes and most especially support his children and grandchildren in their passions. He and Joan were a dynamic duo who loved hosting gatherings in their  backyard oasis, welcoming all and were faithful volunteers in their Christian community.

Mike passed peacefully at home on Saturday May 3, 2025 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Joan; his children, Mike Montoya Jr., Lisa Lebovitz, Monica Fiala and their families; 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; sister Helen Mattson, the Holland families, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Service: Sunday May 18, 2025 at 2pm, First Baptist Church, Gilroy.

Final resting place: California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, Seaside, CA.