The Scranton Chapter UNICO National has announced that Patti and Bob Montalbano of Dunmore will be honored as the UNICANS of the Year for 2018 at the organization’s annual Charity Ball to be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Genetti’s Manor, Dickson City.

Melanie Naro, chapter president, made the announcement, saying, “The Montalbano’s have been a terrific volunteer team since they joined.” Ms. Naro said. “We are thrilled to honor them for their contributions.”  

Mary Marrara, Charity Ball chairperson, added, “We are thrilled to honor them for their contributions.” She notes that the event is open to the public. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (570) 499-1534, or contacting Ms. Naro, Chris DiMattio or any Scranton UNICO member.

Patti Montalbano was born in Scranton, daughter of Alfonso Giambrone,  and the late Lucy Coviello Giambrone. She graduated from St. Anthony of Padua Grade School, Dunmore; St. Paul’s High School, Scranton, and received her Registered Nurse diploma from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Scranton, University of Scranton and a bachelor of science degree from Trinity University.

Certified by the National Nurse Certification Association, Patti’s hospital nursing career was spent in Obstetrics, Newborn Nurseries, and the Neonatal ICU.   She then moved on to Community Health Nursing at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. She was a member of several health-related networking groups in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.  She also was a part-time Hospital Clinical Instructor in Newborn Care at Penn State University’s Scranton Campus. Patti retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Health as the School Health Consultant (covering 59 school districts) following 25 years of service.

Patti joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the Scranton Chapter UNICO National in 2006 and then the Chapter proper in 2009. Committed to the work of the Auxiliary, Patti, with the help of other dedicated members and support of  the Board of Directors of the Scranton Chapter, was instrumental in the reorganization of the Ladies Auxiliary in 2011-2012. She was president of the Auxiliary, serving for three consecutive years, She then joined the Auxiliary Board of Directors and was chosen again to be president.   

For her service, Patti received the Al Dante Award in 2012, which recognizes extraordinary volunteerism and service. Assisted by her husband, Patti cochairs the Scranton UNICO Friday Bake Sale at St. Joseph’s Center Summer Festival.   

Bob Maltalbano was also born in Scranton, son of the late Pellegrino and Lucy DeMaio Montalbano. Bob attended Dunmore schools, graduating in 1963 from Dunmore Senior High School. Bob served proudly for four years in the United States Air Force stationed at Bunker Hill Air Force Base, Indiana, where B58 bombers were maintained and training flights were performed during the Vietnam War.  

After discharge, he was employed by Printcraft and Spotless Cleaners, then went on to employment at Emery Worldwide as the Mail/Communications Office Supervisor.  While at Emery, Bob was on the Board of the NE Postal Customer Council.

During this time, Bob organized an annual golf tournament with the proceeds going to St. Francis Kitchen, Scranton and St. Vincent dePaul Kitchen, Wilkes Barre. Bob retired after 33 years at Emery.

Bob joined UNICO in 2004 and quickly became active in working to support fundraising efforts.  After learning from the best, Pat Yanni, Bob took over the organization of cooking the porketta for the Scranton UNICO stand at LaFesta Italiana. He continues to enjoy cooking and slicing with the team of dedicated men and women.  

Bob also served on the Board of Directors for several years.  He received the Chapter’s Presidential Award in 2015. Bob served as a Presidential Aide to Chris DiMattio, during his tenure as UNICO National President in 2010-11, accompanying Chris on his travels to many UNICO National events throughout the year.

Bob and Patti met each other during the winter of 1968 and were married during a snowstorm in November, 1969, in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Dunmore.   The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Turi, then Chaplain of Mercy Hospital. They continue to be parishioners of St. Anthony’s where Bob is a member of the Holy Name of Jesus Society. Patti is a member of the Altar and Rosary  Society and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Communion at Mass and to the home bound.

Bob and Patti are the proud parents of daughter Lori Montalbano Nozzi and her husband, Michael Nozzi, and grandparents to puppy, Lola. Bob has two brothers Benjamin, John (deceased) and a sister, Santa. Their daughter, Lori, is also an active, dedicated member of Scranton UNICO and the Ladies Auxiliary.