Mary Jo Montagnino Obituary

Mary Jo Montagnino, 82, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on October 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Gloucester on.

February 5, 1944, the daughter of the late Ralph Pratt and Josephine (Sallah) Pratt. She shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life and soulmate, the late James V. "Jimmy" Montagnino who died on May 7, 2022. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, community, and active involvement in local civic and charitable life.

Mary Jo was a proud and loyal graduate of St. Ann's Grammar School and St. Ann's High School. In her early days, she loved her summers on Long Beach at the family's camp where both sides of her parents' families were represented. She cherished her time there with her extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and lifelong friends, who she always remained close with.

Her commitment to civic life began early: at 16, she served as co-chair of Youth for Kennedy. She continued her education at Mount St. Mary's College and graduated from Salem State College in 1966. Her passion for learning remained strong, and at age 40, she enrolled in law school, graduating from New England School of Law in 1987. She was admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court.

Throughout her career she ran a local law practice. She worked alongside her husband on many projects investing and developing Gloucester property. She contributed to numerous community and charitable organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Fishermen's Wives Association, Seaport Advisory Council, Legion of Mary, Catholic Charities, and Action Inc.

Mary Jo's proudest moments were those spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She cherished her winters in Florida with Jim, first living aboard their boat on Marco Island and later in Naples, and she loved nothing more than welcoming her grandchildren and family for visits. Mary Jo also loved her time with her childhood friends taking many trips throughout Europe. A proud member of the Lebanese Maronite Society, Mary Jo remained deeply rooted in her heritage and carried on the very best of its traditions.

She is survived by her four children: James Montagnino; Margaret (Meg) Jarrett and her husband, Keith; Marcia (Marcy) Pregent and her husband, Derek; and Amy Montagnino. She also leaves behind beloved grandchildren: Matthew, Marcus, and Nathaniel Montagnino; Benjamin, Jaymes, and Kelsey Jarrett; and Sophia and Lily Pregent.

She is also survived by her siblings: Michael Pratt, Karen Budrow, Stephanie Densmore, James Pratt (Debbie), and Michelle Pratt; her sisters-in-law, Carol Pratt and Roseann Montagnino; and her Aunt Regina Girard, (David) many extended family members who loved her dearly.

She was predeceased by her sisters Cynthia Loiacano (Anthony), Christine Murphy (Stephen) and brother Joseph Pratt and sister-in-law Gail Pratt, brother-in-law James Densmore, brother-in-law Anthony Montagnino and sister-in-law Theresa Montagnino. She had many nieces, nephews, and lifetime friends in Gloucester. Since youth, most notably Gaye, Celia, Jane, Joanne, and many others.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 8 from 4-7 pm in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. The burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Holy Family Parish, Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon, Boston or St. Vincent de Paul in memory of Mary Jo.