Sharon Ann Montagnese, 86, of Newark, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 394 E. Main St., Newark, OH 43055, on Saturday, June 20, at 10:00 a.m., with Fr. Tony Dinovo as celebrant. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery (7028 Mount Vernon Road, Newark), immediately after the Mass. Attendees are welcome to join family and friends for a luncheon after the graveside ceremony.

Sharon was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 8, 1939, to the late William and Rozella (Leggett) Gravlin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Anthony “Tony” Dominic Montagnese; daughter Renee Kleemeier, brother William Gravlin, Jr.; brothers-in-law Robert Baker, James Geiger, and Joseph Montagnese; and sisters-in-law Betty Geiger and Loretta Montagnese.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Anthony (Elizabeth) Montagnese, Jr., Michele Deremo, and Robert (Lauren) Montagnese; son-in-law Kenneth Kleemeier; grandchildren Dominic (Chelsea), Cara (Ray), Anna (Nicholas), Sam (Emily), Ben, Leah, Raffaele, Ashley, Robert, and Brady; and great-grandchildren Rachel, Amy, Anthony, and Grace. Sharon also leaves siblings Jeanine Baker, Michael (Chris) Gravlin, and Steven (Kathryn) Gravlin; sister-in-law Carol Gravlin; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a friend to many, some of whom she met during her years of employment at Elder-Beerman Department Store in Newark.

Devoted to her Catholic faith, Sharon was a longtime active parishioner of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, where she belonged to the Marian Club, participated in Adoration, and was a founding member of the Bereavement Committee. She also volunteered with the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry on a regular basis.

Sharon leaves behind a far-reaching and powerful legacy of love and family. She lived her faith daily, doting on family, friends, and strangers in equal measure. She gave when she had little to give, and demonstrated unflinching empathy for those less fortunate. Her love of music brought a never-ending treasure trove of songs into the lives of her kids and grandkids, and she never forgot a verse or lyric. Sharon never left a visitor unfed, never failed to acknowledge a birthday or anniversary, and reveled in the family gatherings that brought laughter, games, and bonding. She was sharp and witty to her last day.

Friends and family may call at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 5-7 P.M., Friday, June 19, beginning with a Vigil Rosary Service where friends and family will be welcome to share a few words or remembrances of Sharon.

Memorials in Sharon’s name can be made to Licking Memorial Hospital Development, 1320 West Main Street, Newark, OH 43055; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To share your memory of Sharon or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.