VVH-TV's Tribute to Nick Monte of Gurney's Inn

VVH-TV's Tribute to Nick Monte of Gurney's Inn

Nick Monte (Montemarano), the adored Innkeeper of Long Island's most famous, historic beach resort, Gurney's Inn and founder of the American seawater spa passed away Saturday October 13th in Nevada. He was just a over a month shy of his 91st birthday.

Nick was born on November 26, 1916, the fifth of seven boys, in the apartment over their parents restaurant, Monte's Venetian Room on Carol Street.. Neither depressions nor recessions, mayor wars nor minor wars, prohibition nor epidemics ever disrupted the continuity of this tiny Italian restaurant and the love Nick had for his family.

In 1932, Nick, only 16 years old, took over the business after his father had an accident, and he had to drop out of Brooklyn Tech. From that moment on Nick Monte become the forever gracious host of Monte's Venetian Room until he acquired Gurney's Inn in 1956 and moved to Montauk.

As the story goes, one afternoon in the summer of 1955, a friend in Brooklyn who had a house in Montauk invited Nick to lunch in Montauk with the promise of the best linguini and clam sauce he'd ever tasted. For a man who owned one of the most successful Italian restaurants in Brooklyn, Monte's Venetian Room on Carroll Street, he had to admit he was intrigued. Upon arriving at his friend's home he was offered a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the ocean. The two men sat and talked for some time. They talked and then they talked some more...there they were sitting on the deck sipping wine jovially and languorously, when low and behold, the bottle was gone and lunch was nowhere to be found. So Nick thought it worth mentioning the promised lunch. Since neither of the men was in any condition to cook at that time, they decided to head over to Gurney's Inn for lunch.

At the time, Gurney's was owned by Mrs. Maude Gurney, who happened to be a Christian Scientist. Christian Scientists do not believe in the consumption of alcohol, therefore the restaurant carried no liquor whatsoever. Well, here he was in such a beautiful place, with good food and a divine view and the glass of wine Nick Monte would have loved to savor with his meal was nowhere to be found! It seemed he had no choice but to offer to buy the restaurant and hotel from Mrs. Gurney so that he could properly enjoy his meal. Initially, after accepting his card, she refused his offer. But several months later, after giving the offer careful consideration, she phoned Nick to say that she was interested. If you ask him today, he will tell you that he never expected to hear from her ever again. Well, in fairly short order, the deal was struck, and Gurney's Inn became the property of Nick Monte.

Always looking to preserve the best of what Montauk had to offer, Mr. Monte was very active and instrumental in having the Montauk Lighthouse designated as a National Historical Monument.

On April 17, 1979 when the International Health and Beauty Sea Water Spa was finished, it was officially opened by Mario Cuomo, then Lt. Governor of New York State. To this day it is still the only spa of its kind in the continental United States using healing Seawater in its Roman Baths, the heated indoor seawater pool, and the famous Thalasso-therapies.

Nick Monte's passion for Thalasso 'healing sea water' is passed on with the The Annual Nick Monte Lifetime Community Leadership Award which honors a person of the East End community. This individual demonstrates dedication, passion and creativity in preserving and supporting the Montauk community. The honoree has provided valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life and preserving of the history of the community. The recipient receives a lifetime spa membership, a gift of health and well being.

He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Lola and his younger brother Angelo Monte. A memorial service and a celebration of his life are being planned for Sunday, November 18th at Gurney's Inn. Further details will be published when they are finalized. The family has asked that Memorial donations be made to the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. For more information contact Jane Heffner at 212-305-7827 or by email at jh2236@columbia.edu

(c) Video Voice Inc. 2007 All Rights Reserved

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[disklegend]

Mr. Nick Monte was a great man. He was the most generous and kind person I have ever met in the Unted States. During my college and university education, Mr. Monte gave me a job in his hotel every summer for five years. That really helped me to finish my university education in the USA.Also I admire Mr. Angelo Monte and his family. They are beautifu. Regards HT

[scarb0524]

I love gurneys inn!!

It is the best place you can go on vacation!!!

Even though Nick and Angelo monte are gone it does not mean gurneys inn should not be treated the way it was always treated!!

I go to gurneys every year!! My dad always used to show angelo old pictures of gurney inn. Angelo was the only one who remembered!! Nick was already gone. My family and i were very sad to hear nick died. But then the next year we were even more sad because then we heard angelo died.

[mrprogjazzgto]

Nick and Angelo Monte were the best guys to work for!! They treated me just like family..!!!

I worked in the spa in 1979 (Grand Opening) and had a blast.! I met so many famous people and partied 7 days a week. These are memories to remember for my life time...!

RIP Angelo & Nick.. I tip my glass of wine to the Montes.

(Brenda - are you around?)

[scarb0524]

i go to gurneys inn every year i love it

if any of you that are reading this go to gurneys inn in montauk. it is the best place you can get to go on vacation!!! I love it!! even though nick and a ngelo are gone, gurneys should be treated the way it always was treated!!