I worked with Giorgio Tozzi and his wife Monte for several years, helping to care for Monte as her health declined. He was in his 80s at the time and she was a few years younger. Giorgio died in May and I just got word that Monte died in the last day or so (not sure exactly when.) I just had to post something about them.
They were both retired opera singers; Gioriog especially had a long career as a well-known tenor.
But I knew them just as George and Monte, and they were absolutely the most loving, adorable couple I’ve ever met. Every morning we went to Steak & Shake for breakfast, and I would watch other diners watching them…and it was obvious that just seeing them together made everyone’s day. George was very courtly and loving, constantly helping Monte in and out of her chair or the car, holding her coat, and toasting her with his coffee cup. Monte was obviously just as in love with him. They must have smooched, on average, 5-10 times an hour.
If you didn’t know their history, you would never guess that they were stars back in the day. George was incredibly humble and kind. Monte had a gorgeous, earthy laugh that just made my heart light to hear it. When she signed her name she always wrote Monte Tozzi!! and that was just…her, somehow.
Working with them was a gift that changed my life, and I know that they somehow touched the lives of everyone who knew them. If there is a heaven, I like to think that they’re singing to each other right now, as they did every morning: I love you a bushel and a peck
a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck;
hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap,
barrel and a heap and I’m talking in my sleep
about you!
Funny…the last couple of days I’ve been thinking of Monte and how even though her memory was really failing (even though I’d been with her for ages, she would still find me in the kitchen or laundry room and say, “Hello there! May I help you?”) , she could still read piano music and could play fairly well (to my untrained ear, anyway.) Her favorite was Core N’Grato, and it was beautiful to see her have those moments where she was in her element and was not so lost. Core N'Grato (Italian song) - YouTube (Obviously not Monte, but it’s a lovely song.)
Anyway, she’s been on my mind, and then my sister called me today to tell me of her death. And I can’t find a good picture on the internet anywhere.
I miss them so, but again…I consider myself so lucky to have been a part of their journey.
