Jose Ramon Montes and Lydia Maria Montes

Jose Ramon Montes, 59, and Lydia Maria Montes, 59, of Lancaster, PA perished in a fire at their home on Thursday, February 14, 2019. Jose was born in Utuado, PR, son of the late Miguel and Francisca (Candelaria) Montes. He was most recently employed at Packaging Corporation of America as a Press Operator. Those closest to him knew him as Joe. He was an avid sports fan who loved to root for the New York Yankees and New York Giants. Some of his favorite pastimes were golfing and fishing. No matter the occasion, music and most importantly family were his joy. He is survived by ten siblings; Hector Rodriguez, Anibal Rivera, Raymond Rodriguez, Gloria Adorno, Juan Adorno, Luz Valentin, Hilda Solis, Miguel A. Montes, Raymond Montes, and Carmen Enid Montes; and preceded in death by two siblings: Luis A. Montes and Sandra Montes; and one grandson: Christopher Carey Jr. Lydia was born in Hoboken, NJ, daughter of Marcola (Martinez) Rivera and the late Pedro Rivera. She retired from The School District of Lancaster where she worked at Lincoln Middle School as a Cafeteria Manager. Close family and friends knew her as Lilly. Her passion for cooking was second only to family. Bingo, movies, and game shows were some of her favorite pastimes. She was beautiful inside and out. She is survived by four siblings: Madeline Martinez, Rosie Montes, Pedro Rivera, and Brenda Santiago; and preceded in death by two siblings: Nelsa Martinez, Pedro Rivera Jr.; and one grandson: Christopher Carey Jr. Surviving the couple are their daughters, Jessenia I. Montes, Yashira Ashby (Toby), Jennifer Montes (Chris, Sr.), and five grandchildren: Toby Jr, Devon, Jaelynn, Jordan and Javon. Joe and Lilly met in Hoboken NJ in 1980, and it was love at first sight. They were the epitome of “in sickness and in health; until death do us part.” Their shared interests were music and dancing. They frequently enjoyed returning to Hoboken to relive their glory days. Her compassion was a perfect compliment to his sense of humor. A mother and father to many, they were a timeless example of how to be humble, gracious and loving. Their presence we'll miss; their memories we’ll treasure; loving them always; forgetting them never.