Umberto Monarca

Umberto Monarca, 98, of Walkersville MD, passed away on July 16th, 2026. Born November 4, 1927, in Naples Italy, he was the son of Nicola Monarca and Maria Bisogni Monarca.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara, as well as sons Sergio (Jan) and Christopher, and daughter, Sandra Bartholow (Charles); grandchildren Lauren Monarca Fellows (Larry) and Charles Bartholow III (Elise); great grandchildren Emma & Oliver Fellows and Lily, Juniper & Sylvie Bartholow. He is also survived by nephew Sergio Corvino and nieces Gabriella Storti and Flavia Chiuchiarelli. He was preceded in death by many family members including his brother Antonio Monarca, sisters Amalia Corvino & Emma Marano; nephew, Elio Corvino, and grandson, Jacob Bartholow.

Umberto grew up in Naples Italy and dreamed of coming to America. He worked as an apprentice to be a tailor with his father. He served in the Italian army as a radio operator and excelled so much, he was promoted to being an instructor. After serving in the military and working with his father, he went to Amsterdam, Holland to work. This is where he met the love of his life, Barbara, an Englishwoman. They married in 1958 in England and shortly thereafter moved to America - Settling in Milford, Connecticut. They raised three children and he worked as a tailor, moving from Connecticut to North Carolina, then to Virginia, West Virginia and finally settling in Walkersville MD in 1979.

He had a passion for gardening. Before arriving in the US, he knew nothing about gardening, so he bought numerous books, taught himself, and became the family’s ‘master gardener.’

After retiring, he spent most of his years traveling with Barbara, the love of his life. They went on numerous cruises around the world and especially enjoyed dancing together. The beauty of their love shone through everything they did together, but nothing as much as when they were in each other’s arms dancing.

A service will take place on Friday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Stauffer Funeral Home, 40 Fulton Ave, Walkersville MD. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.