BOB MONTAGNA R.I.P

BOB MONTAGNA R.I.P Taken from myspace ----------------- Bulletin Message ----------------- From: Deakyne Date: Jun 13, 2006 10:35 PM BOB MONTAGNA, 46 Former Vineland detective, owner of Fusion of Styles Tattooing Bob Montagna, 46, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 10, 2006. Born and raised in Vineland, Bob graduated Vineland High School in 1977. He attended Cumberland County Community College for law enforcement. Bob was a detective for the Vineland Police Department's Special Operations Squad from 1978 to 1986. He was a counselor for both the Camp Roosevelt Boy Scouts and the Police Youth Week of Cumberland County. Bob was a member of scouting's National Honor Society Order of the Arrow and obtained Eagle Scout status. He was a tattoo artist and sole proprietor of the Fusion of Styles Tattooing and Piercing Shop in Malaga. He was a member and past president of A.P.T. and a member of the N.T.A. He was a member of the N.J. Dept. of Health Tattoo Regulation Steering Committee, which forms the rules and regulations for tattooing in New Jersey. Founding Patriot Samuel Adams noted, "It does not take a majority to prevail...but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." That should describe you! Visitations will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Thursday at the Rone Funeral Service, 1110 E. Chestnut Ave., Vineland. A funeral Liturgy will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the St. Isidore the Farmer Church, 1655 Magnolia Road, Vineland. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Newfield. Donations may be sent to: SIDS Center of New Jersey, UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, Meb 312, New Brunswick, NJ 08901; or to a charity of one's choice. Thanks, Shanghai Kate Hellenbrand

RIP old friend...you will be well remembered!..TAz

rest in peace bob,thanks for all the ink

First of all I would like to say that I know Bob will be sorely missed, and it is extremely sad to hear of his tragic passing. I am still trying to get over the facts that I know, and it is extremely difficult to believe. And it makes me wonder if anyone knows what is going to happen to Fusion of Styles tattoo shop now? There is such great talent there.

First, let me say that I have never been inked, but I have known Robert (as I always called him) Montagna since I sat next to him in Kindergarten, over 40 years ago. We were somewhat close in our younger and more formative years, when we were in Cub Scouts together, at my parents' house, where my mother was Den Mother. We used to play together over his house, or over my house. Robert and I took our hunting test together, and as we grew we didn't see each other that much. However, throughout our school years we would constantly see each other. How many of you knew that he had a "Fonzie" stage, when he wanted to be called Fonzie, when he acted like Fonzie, and when he went, "Ayyyy" like Fonzie. That is the Robert Montagna that I knew. There is a picture in our high school yearbook of him and some of his buddies with their tattoos. How radical!! I learned over the years what a great artist Robert had become. He was a United States Marine, a Vineland, NJ, Police Officer, and I guess he did pretty much what he wanted to do. Over the past few days, since I learned of his untimely death Saturday evening, I have pored over the websites with pictures of his artwork. I discovered what an eloquent writer he was, as well as what a magnificent artist. They must go hand in hand. Anyhow, I just thought that some of you might want a different insight into Robert Montagna. I'm sure everyone out there who knew him has great things to say about him. I'm sure you knew him better than I knew him. I'm just content to have known him, and probably to have known him longer. Goodbye, Robert. It's been a pleasure and an honor to have called you my friend. Tom

i'm still in shock over this, actually found out less than an hour ago. guess that's how it goes when you move across the country. is there any word yet what's going to happen to Bob's shop - Fusion of Styles?? does anyone know how his employees are doing/holding up? i'm curious as to who is taking care of everything now. i actually just sent Bob a 'paul revere' care package yesterday. told him a few days before he passed that i was sending it -- he even gave me the updated address. if anyone from the shop - phil, bryce, etc reads this, please get in contact w/me. am worried about you guys.

I found that a friend of mine knew a person working at Bob's studio and well I will say that the person was the one that found Bob. I won't get into details aboout what was told to me as I do not know first hand nor will I claim to but it was said the perosn that found him will be in charge of the studio. It is indeed sad that we have lost Bob. I had only chatted with him at the Mad Hatters convention on a few occassions and he was a very nice guy from what I had gotten from all the small talk. My friend lives in Millville (sp?) NJ and hangs with the artist she told me about. I do hope the memories Bob created for us will shine a positive light on us all and may his soul rest in peace, Peace, Drake

Drake, I am glad to see that someone has info about the shop, and I really do hope that they keep Bob's memory alive by keeping it running. And yes you spelled Millville right. I know the person who received the last tattoo from Bob and he said that Bob was definitely not himself that day. Still, so sad to hear, Bob was always so full of energy, I hope he went the way he wanted.

I'm really happy to see that the shop will stay open. Bob and the boys put a lot of time into making that shop what it is, and Bob put a lot of effort into his collections of curiosities. I had worried about the legalities of the situation and what would become of it all, so thanks again for the updates. very much appreciated.

As a former client, I always felt welcome and at home in your shop. You are sorely missed by all who knew you, however briefly. God bless.

As a woman tattooed many times by Bob over the years, I can honestly say I always felt welcomed at the shop. Bob was always friendly, professional, and it goes without saying, highly creative. His work on my skin has always been my favorite, and I am proud to wear his art for the rest of my life. Thanks for being "in my skin" Bob, RIP. - Beth

Just FYI. Bobs shop is up for sale. Listed with Exit Realty. Went up 2 weeks ago along with the ice cream shop he just bought. I just recently had my 2nd piece done by Bob. Bob was a fixture in the community and is sorely missed!!!!!! Any work I see pales in comparison to his. He was funny, personable and you always felt like an old friend. I saw Bob at a Phil Lesh show last year and he picked my husband and I out of a crowd and said Hello. He was just that kinda guy.

i had heard a rumor about this... i wish someone that knew him could purchase the prop -- a lot of work was put into that place, and you can see bob's creativity oozing from the walls. from what i've been hearing the staff is moonlighting where they can, Bryce occassionally works at Altered Art (vineland) etc (so the rumor goes). I just don't think anyone has a permanent spot yet and with as competitive as things are in that area who knows where everyone is going to end up.

I wish the shop was staying open too. I cant imagine going anywhere else. I have 2 pieces Bob was going to finish up, I guess I will leave them as they are. I wonder if it will remain a tattoo palor? The first time I met Bob he was at his shop in vineland and I was in high school He wouldnt tattoo my boyfriends name on me. Thank GOD!!!! We laughed about that a few months ago when he did my last tattoo! He used to put these stars that were like his logo years ago on all his work. I would like to get one on the back of my neck. Does anyone have a picture of some of his old school work that would have these "stars?"

Jan, I've some pics of them in video format (from a party) It's going to take me a few months to get to them though as they're in storage until i move (december). he moved from stars to paul revere... ha i still have the pins he had made with the design on them

Does any one know where the rest of the crew is working. A friend of mine was getting a tattoo (actually he and his wife were getting matching tats) by Bob and they are yet to be finished. He would like someone from the shop to finish his but he cannot find anyone. Any info would be really appreciated. Thanks!

I was a customer of Bob's and a friend who knew him when he was a child. I last visited his shop in mid-April with my daughter-in-law and a friend. We had a delightful time and Bob made us feel right at home. The human brain is a complex thing....I wish I could have the ability of time travel to show Bob how many people loved him....I know my family will deeply miss his humor, honesty, and concern for his fellow man....Rest in peace, Bobby... Ron

kbrooks: i THINK that Bryce Lippincott is working out of Altered Art Tattoo in Vineland NJ. I'm not sure if he's back to work though as he recently broken his wrist. Try calling the shop at (856) 696-8305 to see if he's there and when he's available. You can also go to http://www.myspace.com/brycelippi and leave him a message. Good luck to you and your friends!!! -bee

My wife and I have had the pleasure to visit with Bob many times at the Richmond convention in November for the last 12 years. Both have received some of the best ink ever at his hands. I have also had the privledge to visit him in Vineland some 10 years ago. It was one of the finest experiences one could have in a shop. We will always remember and miss you man. RIP, Jay and Amber

It seems like only yesterday, being in Bob's shop, watching him running up and down the stairs, answering questions, multitasking as only Bob could do. We planned my next tattoo together and I looked forward to having yet another piece of exquisite artwork being done. Then I received the news..... After the funeral I tried in vein to reach someone from the shop. I heard stories that Bob had left the money and the names of those who had put down deposits. I tried sending letters, I tried calling, etc. but to no avail. Does anyone know how to contact someone to get my deposit back? Please let me know, you can reach me at [email removed]. Thanks.

wowwwww..what can i begin to say about the legand,friend an brother of a different mother..i worked at fusion for 8 years with bob an still cant believe hes gone..i now work back at rebel image tattoo in rio grande..prior to bobs i was here for 6 years..there aint a day go bye i dont think about the man ,and what he taught me ..god bless himm..

wowwwww..what can i begin to say about the legand,friend an brother of a different mother..i worked at fusion for 8 years with bob an still cant believe hes gone..i now work back at rebel image tattoo in rio grande..prior to bobs i was here for 6 years..there aint a day go bye i dont think about the man ,and what he taught me ..god bless himm..its really great to see he touched so many people!!!!

sorry to hear we lost such a great tattooist.not only that a great man.,bob was very helpfull in the beginning to me as far as direction is concerned.....lance .owner of milltown ink tattoo.

thank you man for your art and love.... i understand the commitmit of energy and life, no matter how hard you try....but smiles man...you are the tatoo place on holy land.......love ya

This is soo tragic........and it angers me......Bob has done one of my most beautiful pieces...I remember being at the shop with ol man mo explaining what I wanted and there went Bobby he designed a fairy that was modled after me......He is sorely missed and left so many people with questions.....I pray for his soul to be in the right place....R.I.P. Bobby Tina Brown

I had the pleasure of being in Bob's Tattoo parlor, and working on the old Icecream palor which im sure if Bob saw he would have been soooo pleased with the work that has been put into it. I was working on it for an oppertunity to put a Business there. well never the less believe in people watching over you, and I know he was truly looking on a few 0ccasion, some laughs even. So he knows wat happened and im sure w/everything thing I read on this page he was nothing like wats there now...... Honesty is why you have a Successfull business, that! and having a heart, and with what I have read BOB had both, thank you Bob for putting the spirit in me while I was at your place that nothing could or should change the way you are even if your tempted....Believe it or not I felt his spirit calm me.... 2007

I too knew Bob, I was with the Cumberland county sherriffs dept when I met him. He was still tatttoing in Vineland and working at the PD. We talked alot about whether it would be feasible to make a living at tattooing alone, I left first, going on the road with Amusements of America in 1987 and Bob left the PD shortly after that. I remember at that time Shotsie was his favorite artist as mine was Kari Barba, Bob did a great tattoo on my left bicep of 3 dolphins. he used a flower frog for his ink caps at that time, a habit I adopted for many years. I hadn't seen him in years and I am sorry for that, Love and Light Bob, you were one of my first friends in the business, Leslie

Posted on the new Fusion of Styles myspace page: We all know of the great man who founded Fusion of Styles. His name will live on throughout history, our memory, and every bounding artistic endeavor! The name is Bob Montagna and the entire tattoo community shall bow their heads in respect and gratitude for the efforts and achievements he has made for our amazing industry. It is now our mission to carry on his legacy by promoting proper tattooing techniques, safety precautions, and excellence. In Bob we trust! Bob put alot of himself and his personality in the expectation exceeding studio of tattoo that is Fusion. As long as these doors remain open, a piece of Bob lives on forever! The new owners of Fusion of Styles have been friends and clients of Bob's for 25 years. Art and Peg Gonzalez; who purchased the shop simply to keep Bob's name going and to see top notch artwork continue to flow out of this unique, one of a kind studio. By their side, daughter Christine; who organizes and assesses the schedules, customer relations, and daily monotony; becomes the lubricant that keeps this articulate machine shifting gears. Artists Randi Polillo And Joe Smith steadily strive for excellence and attempt to follow in the previous masters footsteps, constantly walking in the shadow of this legendary giant. Perfection will prevail as long as minds stay positive and passion flows true through needle! .. Who I'd like to meet: Anyone who has been influenced by Bob's work and philosophy. If you have anything that means something to you or that reminds you of Bob, leave it in a comment. We will continue to update the site with the work that has been inspired since our move to Fusion of Styles. If your interested in contacting us we can be reached at: 113 MALAGA PARK DR. MALAGA NJ 08328 (856-694-3699)

Man- I have not been in contact with Bob since 04, and very sad to learn he has passed. I met Bob in the Salt Lake airport, on the way to Sturgis. We had a plane delay & went to get a drink, then another, and we missed our plane. I visited Bob a few years later in Malaga. I now have a son that is turning 18, and I wanted to fly him & I from Phoenix to Philly, and visit Bob for some more ink. I am saddend to find he has passed away- I will always remember the fun we had. Thanks, Todd Herman in Phoenix, AZ

Just an update....don't mean to upset anyone but the truth always comes out....Bob...didn't take his life...it was meant to look that way...Bob told a very close friend that if thats what it look like its not true...Bob was rising on top...building a bigger empire and even a more legendary name for himself...someone is responsible for all of us morning...what goes around comes around and the person responsible for his death...will get theirs...if not by the justice system....GOD will personally send the to HELL... RIP Bob....

I enjoyed working with Bob at Sturgis...'92..he was a good guy...I'll miss him...did clean Tattoos..!!

100 percent of my ink was done by Bob. He worked on me at the shop and "The Tea Party" throughout the 90's.. I wouldn't have anyone else work on me, because he was as good as it gets. I am really bummed to just be finding this out 8 years after the fact. I just whimsically googled him & found this all out. He was really awesome. I have a buddy who has some of his best work, skulls in skulls. An original innovator My heart is heavy tonight. Thom