Rev. Thomas Wayne Montelaro

EUNICE-It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Reverend Thomas Wayne Montelaro on August 29, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 78, with his family at his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Eunice on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Entombment will follow in the St. Paul Mausoleum with Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of Lafayette, Celebrant.

Born on June 11, 1947, in Eunice, LA, Father Tommy was known for his love of people, his desire to all those he encountered, and his infectious laugh. He graduated from Menard High School in Alexandria in 1966. After attending the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, he was ordained into the priesthood on December 6, 1975, in Lafayette, LA. It was his honor and pleasure to serve the Diocese of Lafayette and various parishes for twenty-eight years before taking an early retirement due to illness in 2003. He later had the privilege of spending time in the Diocese of Las Vegas and was an active volunteer in the Hospice program there for many years. He was also a chaplain and member of the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Peter Claver. There will be a memorial service in his honor on Monday, September 29, 2025, on the feast day of the Guardian Angels at the Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Montelaro and Annie Feruggia Montelaro, and his older brother, Carlos Montelaro; his young sister, Sister Mary Margaret Montelaro; and his sister-in-law, Madeline Reed Montelaro. He will be deeply missed by his brothers, James J. Montelaro from Eunice, Dr. Louis V Montelaro, and his wife, Gail of New Roads; his sister, Frances Montelaro Fruge, and her husband, Harry of Eunice; and sister-in-law, Kathy Montelaro of California. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, Christine M Barbour, Phyllis Gremillion, Gregory Montelaro, Jody Montelaro, Anne Marie Miller, Donald Fruge, Angelle Driggs, Philip Montelaro, Mitch Montelaro, Andrea Bergeron, and Corrine Montelaro.

At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Eunice on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 8:00 am until time of services. A Rosary will be prayed at 12:00 pm by Father Hampton Davis.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 337.457.5285, or St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 337.457.8107.

Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, (337) 457-3371, is in charge of arrangements.