It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Charles Duke Del Monte, a resident of Clayton, on May 23, 2026. A proud Californian, Charles was born in Concord on October 18, 1957. He was a man of great character whose enduring legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.
After a courageous four-year battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Charles passed away, leaving behind a profound impact on his family, friends, and the business to which he dedicated his life.
A record-breaking swimmer and football player at Antioch High School, Charles later attended the University of California, Davis.
Charles proudly carried forward his father’s business, Redwood Painting Company, in Pittsburg. He served as President and helped transform the 79-year-old company into a multi-million-dollar success alongside his brother and Vice President, George Del Monte. His dedication to his craft was matched only by his commitment to his community. During his more than 50-year career, Charles served as President and Board Member of several painting and contracting organizations and was also a member of the Elks Club in Pittsburg, California.
As a beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, godfather, and friend, Charles was a constant, humble source of love, humor, and enormous generosity. He found joy in traveling the world and vacationing in Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz. He was an avid sports enthusiast who also appreciated theater and the arts. Above all, he treasured spending quality time with his family and friends. He was an exceptional father to his extraordinary daughter, Justine, whom he proudly referred to as his “Bestie” and the light of his life.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Jacqueline Del Monte; their daughter, Justine Del Monte; his brothers, Paul Del Monte and George Del Monte; George’s sons, Dominic and Vincent Del Monte, and their mother, Mary Del Monte. Leola Sidney, his mother’s best friend. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, LaVonne Daniel; his in-laws, Roberta Daniel and her four adult children, their spouses, and five grandchildren; Robert and Susan Daniel and their four adult children, their spouses, and 13 grandchildren; and special members of the Daniel household, Martin and Sylvia Stibor and their four adult children, spouses, and seven grandchildren, as well as aunts Rita Christie, Lois Holzer, Kathleen Keller; Uncle David Coyle; cousins, and extended family members. Beyond family, he was adored by his beloved honorary children.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Dominick Del Monte of New York and Maude Del Monte of North Carolina, and by his father-in-law, Robert Daniel.
In keeping with Charles’ generous spirit, and in lieu of a memorial service, donations have been made to Antioch High School. Friends and family are kindly encouraged to contribute to their favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Charles’ high school years and treasured friendships brought him lifelong happiness.
Charles loved his family and friends deeply and approached his cancer diagnosis with remarkable courage, dignity, and grace. Though he struggled greatly, he embraced each day with gratitude and lived life to the fullest with unwavering strength and spirit. Charles was deeply loved and respected and will be profoundly missed. He truly made the world a better place.