Another passing

[glynparson]

One more of the old guard has left us. A truly nice guy a fine collector and dealer. I was just notified of Earnie's passing by a mutual friend and wanted to let the board know. Love and light to his family and friends. Sleep in the stars and watch over us. You will be missed.http://www.theintell.com/obituaries/intell/ernest-l-montella-sr/article_1f18247b-cfb4-5ca4-bd6a-db4ec52a1aca.html

[Kevin Savage]

Back in the day, Ernie would set up across from me at the old Willow Grove shows (1980's). He always made and sold these great team plaques and was a friendly guy who always had a smile - and seemed to really enjoy the hobby.
Rest in peace.

[zimp]

Always a friendly hello at the shows....Ernie made many baseball cards plaques for me down through the years....Fantastic display items....Great man...He will be missed

[Rich Klein]

Oh Bleep:

Many years ago I wanted to have a plaque made for the only major leaguer from my home town (Joe Cunningham)

I brought (I think I had someone bring him the cards) and he knew exactly what I wanted. And out of his own pocket, he found some team "pennants" to add to the piece to make it even more attractive.

He later told me, he enjoyed the work so much he put this into his little brochure he handed out to prospective customers

Ernie was a real good man and may he RIP

Rich

[roarfrom34]

He made a Brooks Robinson placque for me more than 30 years ago that I still have hung in my home...

RIP Ernie

[Fred]

Why don't you guys post pics of the plaques in his honor?

[Hankphenom]

So very sorry to hear this. Ernie was such a warm and enthusiastic guy, and his plaques were beautiful and unique. A real fixture of the old Philly shows.

[zimp]

picture did not take

[Leon]

picture did not take

I will help if you send the pic to me at leon@net54baseball.com

and I must say it is always sad to hear of another friendly collector no longer being with us. RIP Ernie

[Rich Klein]

Leon -- if you want to take a photo of mine -- I'll bring mine on Saturday. Might not be a bad idea.

And let's do lunch next week. My new job is near you and we can pick a mutual place and time :)

Rich

[tedzan]

This is very sad news. Ernie Montella was one of the nicest guys in this hobby. I first met Ernie in 1983 when we both set-up
at the famous Willow Grove Philly Show.

In the early 1990's, Ernie and friends established the Philadelphia A's Historical Society in Hatboro, PA. Every November they
would sponsor Breakfast gathering featuring former A's ballplayers (including Connie Mack III.....who kept us spellbound with
his stories of his famed Grandfather).

GOD Bless your soul Ernie....and, may He comfort your family and friends.


TED Z
.

[roarfrom34]

Why don't you guys post pics of the plaques in his honor?

Ernie made this for me in 1984 (the autograph was added at a later date). I remember him telling how he looked for cards with damaged backs (they were perfect for his projects):

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/whhp72/Misc%20Orioles/9426F77B-CE53-4653-8F39-38F4087BDBC6_zps3gw5fjrf.jpg

[Shoebox]

Ernie made this for me in 1984 (the autograph was added at a later date). I remember him telling how he looked for cards with damaged backs (they were perfect for his projects):

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k172/whhp72/Misc%20Orioles/9426F77B-CE53-4653-8F39-38F4087BDBC6_zps3gw5fjrf.jpg

Nice looking item for sure! Thanks for sharing it. It's a nice tribute.

Condolences to his friends and loved ones.

[BruceinGa]

Very nice plaque. Sounds like a great guy. rip

[SteveMitchell]

Ernie was one our our hobby's all-time great guys. My wife Linda and I did Willow Grove (PA) shows in 1982-83, usually in conjunction with a trip to our native Maine from our then-home in Ohio. One of the first fellows to greet us (as a longtime friend) was Ernie Montella. We spent hours enjoying good conversation and Ernie's high-quality plaques over those three or four shows so long ago. Thirty-five years have truly flown! Ernie Montella will be missed by us - and many others!