'Chubby' Montello Died Where She Wanted To Die: In Her N.J. Luncheonette

Carol “Chubby” Montello died where she wanted to die.

Montello, 78, passed away in her N.J. eatery - Chubby’s Luncheonette - surrounded by friends and family, according to her Cromwell-Immordino Memorial Home obituary.

She died after spending five hours in a local hospital, nj.com said, and Montello’s loved ones arranged to have her hospital bed brought to her eatery, where she spent the last 11 hours of her life.

Her friends parked her hospital bed alongside the regulars’ tables on Oct. 11, according to the report, and she died that night.

Montello was born in 1937 in Brooklyn after serving the community as owner of Chubby’s Luncheonette, formerly Rose and Chubby’s, on Railroad Place in Hopewell for 35 years, according to her obituary.

Chubby was known for her “generosity and her delicious food,” according to the obituary.

“People came from near and far for her coffee, eggs, and burgers, and her counter was the community center of Hopewell for years.

“Chubby was a pillar in the borough, known for her compassion and open door, even if you had to pour your own cup of coffee. Her weekly trips to the Trenton Farmers Market were a highlight for Chubby. She delighted meeting the farmers and choosing the freshest eggs, meat, and produce long before farm-to-table became popular.”

Chubby’s always looked much like it did in the 1950s, according to the nj.com report, but it was more the personality of the place that kept the customers.

Montello left the door open “24-7,” according to the report, and the regulars would make coffee and heat their muffins on the always-warm stove before she arrived around 9 or 10 a.m.

Two years ago, she started complaining of back pains which led to complications in her chest, the report said, but Chubby did not want to be medically treated or diagnosed.

Chubby loved the shore and Atlantic City and, when she was younger, she enjoyed bowling and bingo. She loved children and animals and walking through town talking to her neighbors, according to her obituary.

She leaves behind her best friend and business partner, Rose Sponholtz, and Rose’s two children, Nancy and William, according to her obituary.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to pay tribute were asked to send donations to the Hopewell Fire Department, 4 Columbia Ave., Hopewell 08525.