For half a century, Montesano Bros. has been helping shape communities across the Hudson Valley and Tri-State area, one project, one foundation, and one relationship at a time. What began as a small family venture has grown into one of the region’s leading heavy construction and excavation companies, built on integrity, hard work, and an unbreakable family bond.
The Beginning: A Vision and a Leap of Faith
The story of Montesano Bros. begins with Frank Montesano Sr., a man whose life reflected courage, resilience, and determination. Born in Italy, Frank Sr. came from a family of lumberjacks who lived off their land and worked with their hands. After World War II, he was forced to pursue a new journey in America, where he settled in Harrison, New York, with his brother Pasqual.
In his early 40s, Frank Sr. made a bold decision to leave behind a stable career as a union painter and start something entirely new. While moonlighting on a painting job in Greenwich, Connecticut, he looked out the window, saw a man operating an asphalt roller, and was struck with inspiration. Shortly after, he and Pasqual decided to start a small driveway paving business with no mentors, no experience, just determination and a willingness to learn.
The Women Who Anchored It All
While Frank Sr. was out paving driveways and chasing new opportunities, his wife Vitina held down the home, raising four sons and keeping the family grounded through long hours and uncertain beginnings. Her strength and support allowed Frank to take risks and build the foundation of what would become a family legacy.
Years later, as Frank’s sons Dom and Vito joined the business, the company began to grow exponentially. Dom’s wife Toniann played a pivotal role during this period of expansion, managing calls, scheduling, and keeping operations running smoothly while the brothers focused on the field. Her dedication and attention to detail helped transform Montesano Bros. from a small family outfit into a rapidly growing company capable of taking on larger, more complex projects.
From Small Driveways to Major Projects
In the early days, the brothers learned everything through trial and error, including blasting rock. There’s an infamous story about an early project that went a little sideways, resulting in Dom losing part of his finger, a painful but symbolic reminder of the grit that defined their early years.
Over time, experience, determination, and teamwork transformed Montesano Bros. into a trusted name in civil construction and excavation. From small residential driveways to large-scale infrastructure projects, the company’s portfolio grew to include major developments like the Harriman Toll Plaza, the IBM Campus, Amazon Warehouse, Westchester Airport, Sunrise Assisted Living in Mt. Vernon, and Westchester Medical Center’s Critical Care Tower, to name a few.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Today, all four of Frank Sr.’s sons, Dom, Vito, Frank, and Richie, carry the legacy forward. Each plays a vital role in continuing the mission their father began: delivering quality work with honesty, respect, and family values at the core. Under their leadership, Montesano Bros. has become one of the most respected heavy construction and excavation companies in the Tri-State area.
What began as two brothers with a roller and a dream has grown into a multi-generational business that continues to build the foundations of our communities. This even includes a few of Frank Sr.’s grandchildren including, Chris, Kyle, Collin, Lucas and Cole (for now).
Remembering the Heart Behind It All
Frank Sr. was more than a builder. He was a man of faith, kindness, and wisdom. From his early years in Italy to his last days surrounded by family, he lived by the principles that still guide Montesano Bros. today:
“Do a good job, treat your customers with respect and honesty, and never cheat anyone.”
His adventurous spirit and love for life, whether working long days or taking his boys fishing, continue to inspire the generations that follow.
Fifty Years Strong and Still Building
Fifty years later, Montesano Bros. stands as a testament to family, perseverance, and the power of starting from humble beginnings. From driveway paving to large infrastructure, from father and sons to a thriving company built on legacy, the story of Montesano Bros. is proof that great things are built from the ground up.
Here’s to the past 50 years and to the next 50 of building excellence, community, and family.
