José ‘Joe’ Montañez, Formerly of Westhampton Beach, Dies August 25 - 27 East
logo logo logo logo

Obituaries / Southampton Press / 2396257

José ‘Joe’ Montañez, Formerly of Westhampton Beach, Dies August 25

icon 1 Photo
José ‘Joe’ Montañez

José ‘Joe’ Montañez

authorStaff Writer on Sep 22, 2025

José “ Joe” Montañez, formerly of Westhampton Beach, died peacefully on August 25, in Livermore, California, surrounded by his sons, Paul and Brian. He was 85.

Born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, on October 14, 1939, Montañez will be remembered for a life defined by service, resilience, and love for family that was constant and uncomplicated, his family said.

Throughout his life, Montañez wore many hats — farmworker, chef, police officer, volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and firefighter. He served with pride as an EMT for the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance and as a firefighter with the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, always ready to help others in his community in their times of need.

In his later years, he found peace in Florida’s tropical warmth and the quiet rhythm of fishing — humble pleasures that reflected his appreciation for life’s quiet joys. However, his greatest pleasure came from being a father and spending time with his grandchildren.

“Grandpa Joe” will be remembered for his unwavering strength, his tireless dedication to every endeavor, and the steadfast perseverance that defined his life. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.

He was predeceased by his wife Anna Mae. He is survived by his sons Clarence, Paul and Brian; Brian’s wife Tara; and his grandchildren, Kara, Kieran and Ayla.

You May Also Like:

Doable Actions

The following is a response to the heart-wrenching letter written by Sofia Altamirano [“What You Can’t See, Letters, September 18]. This is a truly frightening time in our country, and many of us, Latino or not, are filled with anxiety every time we read or listen to the news. Ms. Altamirano describes how ICE is traumatizing Latino families, whether their members are documented or not. She herself was born in Southampton, yet she fears for herself, her family and her neighbors. These fears are not unfounded — and we must find ways to combat ICE and the MAGA politicians who ... by Staff Writer

Extreme Display

On Sunday, Sag Harbor Village deployed a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team on Main Street during a busy shopping day. Heavily armed officers displayed military-grade weapons, brought bomb-detection equipment and used dogs to sniff ordinary shoppers. This show of force disrupted businesses and frightened residents — including me. When the U.S. president or vice president visits, protective teams dress in suits and maintain readiness without alarming the public. Why couldn’t our village do the same? What was the reason for such a display of force? This is not in alignment with what our peaceful, bucolic community represents. I call on village officials ... by Staff Writer

Kathy Hinz of Sag Harbor Dies September 7

Kathy Hinz, 72, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in her beloved Sag Harbor ... by Staff Writer

Pay Fair Share

I am writing in response to the article about the removal of trash cans from downtowns [“Outrage Spews on Southampton Officials Over Removal of Public Trash Cans From Downtowns,” 27east.com, September 17]. I want to clarify the role of highway superintendent. It is not a position driven by politics nor influenced by wealthy residents; it is an elected position defined by New York State Town Highway Law. The superintendent’s job is clear: to maintain and repair roadways, plow snow, manage drainage, ensure road safety, and oversee the staff and equipment that accomplish these tasks. As important as what a highway ... by Staff Writer

Get To Know Me

I want to introduce myself to those in the hamlet of Hampton Bays who don’t know me. My name is Eileen McPhelin, and I am running for the position of president of the Hampton Bays Civic Association. As a member and then a board member, I have been asked by other members to run for the incoming board. The vote takes place at the next membership meeting, on Monday, September 29, in the Hampton Bays Community Center. I was a bit surprised when asked to run for the office of president, but then, after some thought and reflection, I realized ... by Staff Writer

Sign Me Up

At the last Southampton Village Board meeting, Trustee Len Zinnanti, a former Rudy Giuliani employee and Mayor Bill Manger’s deputy mayor, told frustrated residents that “anyone who wants to be on the traffic committee can be on the traffic committee.” That claim would be comical if it weren’t so insulting. The so-called “traffic committee” already lists about 20 members and has met about three times in the past 12 months. Yet, it is routinely invoked to justify bad traffic laws that have left Hill Street lined with cones and Halsey Neck Lane in a daily chokehold. The reality is that ... by Staff Writer

Stand Up and Yell

If, perhaps, you are having a hard time dealing with the current ugly spectacle in D.C., then perhaps you might wish to distract yourself as I do — with Ken Burns’s documentaries about America. “The Civil War” is simply extraordinary. Today, we all we all need an extra special tutorial on our nation’s proud history, to fully remind ourselves of just what challenges and struggles we have as Americans successfully overcome in our nation’s long proud history. Many. Let me share this family story to illustrate. This is how my family got to come to America. My many times great-grandfather ... by Staff Writer

Let's Make a Deal?

As we approach Election Day, November 4, Southampton Town registered voters should feel confident that the only truly qualified person to vote for and to hold the position of Southampton Town clerk is Sundy Schermeyer, the current town clerk. Her duties and responsibilities are far beyond impressive. What’s really impressive about Sundy Schermeyer is her commitment to good government and to the people of Southampton Town, of all political stripes. For many years, she has had a remarkable record of performance along with her outstanding staff. In this year’s election, “let’s make a deal” seems to be the ongoing theme. ... by Staff Writer

Use the Zoning Code

We can’t live with this traffic craziness forever. If you agree with the following solution or have another, you must contact this paper and the village trustees, politicians or anyone else that you think matters. The more people who respond, the better the chance of ending this nightmare. A solution that could take place this winter must be tried: A new or renovated house breaks ground daily. Actually, there were 8,600 building permits issued this past year in all the Hamptons, many for new homes, which creates the “trade parade.” Given the fact that it’s illegal to mandate multi-passenger cars, ... by Staff Writer

The Menace

Last December, I had a small procedure on my heart. I was supposed to rest for four days. But I didn’t get a moment’s rest — because leaf blowers were blaring all day, and I mean all day, for all four days, just as they do every day, even if there is a single leaf on a walkway or driveway or patio, or even a lawn that no one uses. This is madness — mass mental illness, both cause and effect. I have a friend whose teenage son has been begging her for years to leave the country to get ... by Staff Writer