Our beloved father, Tirso Patrick Montelongo, III,departed from us on August 15, 2026, at the age of 94. Tirso Montelongo, was born March 17, 1932 in Sanger, CA. He is the son of Frances Cervantes and Tirso Montelongo, II. Preceding his death are his wife Gloria H. Montelongo; sons Gary Montelongo, Alex Montelongo and Tirso John Montelongo, Jr. IV; daughter Patsy Escamilla; sisters Jennie Montelongo Rodriguez, Vera Tinoco, Angie Castillo and Dora Carroll. 

     After attending Sanger Union High School, Tirso joined the military. He served with the United States Air Forcefrom 1951-1955. He was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War (1950–1953), assigned to the 12th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (known as the "Dirty Dozen”) that flew combat missions under the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group. The squadron operated F-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabres out of various airfields in Korea and staged out of Kadena Air Base (APO 239) in Okinawa. As a Basic Airman, he was trained as a weapons mechanic and loaded ammunitions on fighter planes. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. After the war Tirso attended Central California Community College and received an AA in Accounting and transferred to Fresno State College. He held multiple positions as a laborer and worked with Gallo wineries. Eventually, he pursued a career in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for the Social Security Administration where he completed over 10 years of service as a Social Insurance Representative. He retired from the SSA and eventually moved to Phoenix, Arizona to join family. He lived in Arizona for 26 years until his passing. 

    Tirso is survived by his daughters Trinidad (Trini) Maria Gonzalez, Lydia Montelongo and Virginia Zambrano and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Castillo and Lupe Sandoval. Dad and grandpa, we will always remember you in our hearts and souls forever. Love, all your children