Joseph Ernest Monti

Joseph Ernest Monti died March 1 after a long battle with Covid pneumonia, with his wife and son by his side. He was 79.

Joe was born on March 23, 1943, in Birmingham to Henry Monti and Josephine Ferrari Monti. He attended John Carroll High School, then St. Mary’s College in Kentucky, and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Joe was ordained to the Catholic priesthood on March 1, 1969. He served several congregations in Alabama before becoming a chaplain at the University of Alabama. After deciding to leave the priesthood to pursue a career in academics, Joe attended Vanderbilt University, where he earned his PhD in theology.

Joe taught moral theology and Christian ethics at the Episcopal Seminary at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, for 25 years, helping to form several generations of Episcopal priests. Joe was an outstanding, but rigorous and challenging teacher, who was influential in the lives of many of his students. “We loved Joe,” former student the Rev. Scott Lenoir said. “We loved being challenged by him in class and befriended by him. He made us better priests for the people in the pews.” “More than any other professor at Sewanee, he embodied God’s fierce justice for those on the margins,” says another former student, the Rev. Hannah Anderson. “Joe was a protector, an antagonist when necessary, and a challenger to the status quo.” The Rev. Joe Porter said,” I would never have been ordained a priest without Joe’s loving support. He was a giant follower of Jesus in my eyes and shaped me in ways that I am still discovering.”

After retiring in 2009, Joe devoted himself to his son, Joseph Henry Monti. Joe came to fatherhood later in life and enjoyed every minute of it. He coached Little League baseball, winning two championships at Morgan Falls, and youth basketball. As his son grew, Joe enjoyed cheering him on at high school baseball and basketball games and watching him in theater productions and concerts. He often remarked that becoming a father was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Joe was also active at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, where his wife of 26 years, the Rev. Patricia Templeton, is rector. He taught seminary-level adult Sunday School classes, served as an usher and lector, and helped his wife in innumerable ways. Joe was many other things — a fierce advocate for justice, a passionate Alabama football fan, a devoted lover of cats, and a lifelong scholar. His death leaves a giant hole in the hearts of those who loved him, and at St. Dunstan’s.

Joe is survived by his wife, the Rev. Patricia Templeton; his son, Joseph Henry Monti; sister, Emily Hooks; brother, John Monti; and many nieces and nephews. His parents and brother Jim Monti died before him.

Joe’s funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 4393 Garmon Road, Atlanta. His ashes will be interred in the church’s memorial garden following the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the church.