I was raised in Phoenix, AZ with family roots that originate in a small steel mill town in western Pennsylvania called Aliquippa. Even though I call the desert my home today, I've found the hard-nosed roots of Aliquippa have helped me through many challenges in life.
Growing up, I played the usual sports like soccer, baseball and football, but found my true calling in the sport of wrestling. Excelling to become an Arizona State wrestling champion, I went on to compete at the college level for Adams State College in Colorado. After two years, I was ready to move on with the next stage of my life and transferred to Arizona State University.
While attending Biology class at ASU I met the love of my life, mother of my children and inspiration, Samantha.
Graduating with a degree in Marketing, I took a position with my current employer, Shurwest Financial Group.
Marriage and the birth of my two daughters Amanda (11) and Isabella (9) followed.
Professionally, I advanced to a sales position, was later promoted to National Sales Director, and am currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Shurwest Financial Group.
Drawing from my experiences as a wrestler, I believe it's my individual success that advances the successes of the team. A tenacious competitor, I don't quit until I've achieved the goals I've set for myself.
My battle with TC began on September 21, 2011 at the age of 38.
The disease of cancer just picked the wrong fight.
By Samantha Montini October 25, 2011 - 3:22 am
Yes it did choose the wrong fight. We will beat this for sure honey! I adore you!
By Donna Gibson October 25, 2011 - 10:33 pm
Dear Marc and Family,
I know you will beat this with your strength and the love of your family and friends. Love and Family is the strongest weapon and you are blessed with both.
love
Donna
By Beth Walsh October 25, 2011 - 4:58 am
The Walshes are behind you 100% Marc! We know you can beat the crap out of this stupid stuff! Love you all so much.
By Judy Montini October 25, 2011 - 5:53 am
Fear knocked at the door and FAITH answered……no one is here. We will all be stronger as we overcome this new obstacle in our life.
Can’t beat a “MONTINI” especially Marc Montini.
I love you BABY ….. Mom
By shirley metzger October 25, 2011 - 3:07 pm
Marc–your strong attitude about your “battle” with this enemy is one we adapted with our own fight. Become an absolute bulldog!! Keep your family close. Know that we are praying for you and your family- Rudy and Shirley Metzger
By Bob & Deanie Agich October 25, 2011 - 7:47 pm
Marc:
I know you will beat this. I have known you to always be a hard fighter who will never give up. You and your family will be in my prayers always. I will place you in my weekly Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal tonight and every Tuesday at Blesed Sacrament Church.
Pray hard, be strong, and NEVER give up.
We love so much,
Bob & Deanie Agich
By Cami McCluskey October 26, 2011 - 5:01 am
I have known Marc Montini for since for 30 years. We are more than friends. Marc has always been like a brother to me and the Montini’s like a second family. We have been through everything together. From boyhood antics, school, wrestling, and raising families. When Marc first told me about this, I was stunned. My mother has battled cancer and is winning, just like Marc. I have no doubt this is just another building block in our lives. We have decades to look forward to. I know Marc’s strength. I do feel that this disease picked the wrong person. With Marc in this fight, it brings light to how real this disease is and that we all need to stick together to fight. Marc is not in this alone. We will all be there with him every step of the way. Although I am several states away, I am with Marc and his family every step of the way. Anything you need from a McCluskey will be done. I am always with you brother.
By ONO October 26, 2011 - 10:39 pm
The Onofryton’s heard the news on Saturday night at dinner. We will keep you and your family in are prayers and you will win this fight!! No doubt!! Respect all – fear none
Mike
By Ed McCluskey October 28, 2011 - 5:48 pm
You the man Marc. We’re all with you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers each day.
Fast Eddie
By Samantha Montini October 28, 2011 - 6:25 pm
Hi daddy! Its Amanda and I know you can beat this cancer to death! Don’t ever think that you can’t! I love you!
By Adam October 28, 2011 - 6:32 pm
Waz up Marco!!
Beers next week! Trace and I are thinking of you and glad to hear things are moving in the right direction! Talk soon.
Your friend,
Adam
By Neighbor Lori October 29, 2011 - 2:59 pm
Marc- I know that wrestling mentality all to well…taking the Dan Gable approach will assure you a championship!!
You are in our prayers, call on us for anything.
Lori & Bob
By Dave Townsend November 5, 2011 - 5:42 am
Marc,
We have never met, but I am good friends with Penny and Lou and knew Sammy when she went to high school. I believe that Faith will win win this battle and it is a test that you are already winning. Family and friends are praying for you and the word is spreading throughout Arizona- May the Lord watch over you and continue to be your strength.
God Bless and protect you and yours,
Dave Townsend
Hint: If you can put up with your father-in- law, you have enough strength to handle this!
By Torre Rhoades November 7, 2011 - 7:14 am
I am vey impressed with all of your support and know that you will win this battle.
By Bob Olah November 10, 2011 - 2:58 am
Hi Marc, So glad I got to meet you and your wife the last couple of days. You are young, strong , determined and I have no doubt you will conquer this challenge! Stay strong, focused on Victory and Never Give Up! Never Give In!
By Lance Patrick November 10, 2011 - 7:30 pm
Mark
Since our first meeting back when they cut the ASU Wrestling program I have thought of you as a friend. I am sorry to hear about this but knowing you I am positive you will kick its butt. You are in our prayers.
Lance Patrick
By Thom Ortiz November 10, 2011 - 9:37 pm
Nothing harder than wrestling! How can we help? Mother in Law was diagnosed with cancer, many ways to beat this this. Let me know.
By Thom Ortiz November 10, 2011 - 9:39 pm
Nothing harder than wrestling! How can we help? Mother in Law was diagnosed with cancer. Many ways to beat this. Let me know.
By John & Janet Onofryton November 10, 2011 - 10:00 pm
Mike just broke the news to me about this new challenge. The last time we saw you was probably on a wrestling mat. You had the determination to go for the gold then and as I have read all over your blog, not only you, but an amazing amount of people to help you beat this ugly opponant. I just wanted to let you know that we are cheering you on with our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you and your beautiful family.
Janet
By Sandy Breece November 12, 2011 - 7:05 pm
Marc,
I am a good friend of your mother-in-law and although I do not know you, I am sending you many prayers and positive energy every day for you to win this fight. You are so right, cancer picked the wrong fight!
Sandy Breece, Ed.D.
By Jonnika Bailey November 30, 2011 - 4:43 am
Yes it did!