DJ Monterio, of Robinson Road, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 27, 2024. DJ was born June 11, 2003 in Concord, NH, the son of Dean Monterio and Aimee (Tanguay) Monterio of Pembroke.

DJ entered this world with a sweet, mischievous smile that he carried through the rest of his life. His affection and love for those around him was evident at a young age, often asking people "are you happy?", just to make sure they were having as much fun as he was. He was never shy, and was able to connect with adults and children alike. The love he had for the outdoors brought him so many friendships and established how he would spend most of his time. Whether it was hunting, playing baseball, four-wheeling, fishing, skiing, boating, snowmobiling, or sitting around a campfire, DJ was always his happiest when he was outside doing his favorite things with the people he loved.

DJ was a graduate of Pembroke Academy class of 2021.  Before graduating from high school, he started working for Aspen Ridge Construction, which wasn't just a job for him. He grasped what it meant to work hard, learning from and leading his friends in a balance of passion for the trade and having fun while doing it. If DJ were to have a motto in life, it would be "work hard, play hard." DJ recently started his own company, Viridis Builders, and bought his first house at the young age of 21.

It's impossible to list all the reasons DJ was so loveable.  He was kind, always kept his promises, and always smiling. It's rare to find someone who was so loyal and reliable, especially at such a young age. He was the first to show up when you needed help building some steps, fixing a roof, or just wanted a laugh and a smile. He always "had a guy" for something, because he was "the guy" for so many others. DJ will be missed by so many. He did things for people because he wanted to, and he did it without telling anyone.

DJ cared deeply about building memories with friends and family. From his early days, many of those special memories were made on Cape Cod, where his family home was. From watching movies in the back seat on the car ride down, to fishing on the pier, to giggling on the swings and jumping off way too high, DJ learned about the world and who he was. While his passing is tragic, his beautiful, kind, curious spirit rests in a place where he can eternally celebrate what life meant to him.

In addition to his parents, DJ is survived by his siblings, Taylor Monterio, and Mason Monterio; his paternal grandmother, Paulette Tanguay of Bow; his paternal grandfather Bruce Monterio and his partner Karen Howard of Dennis, MA; 2 aunts, Kristin Harmon of Manasquan, NJ, and Julie Boucher and her husband Craig of Concord; his Uncle Todd Monterio and his wife Jennifer of Chichester; 5 cousins, Jack Harmon, Nolan and Nora Boucher and Preston and Trevor Monterio; his 'brother' and best friend, Dylan, and countless other friends and family.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Richard Tanguay, and paternal grandmother Marcia Monterio.

Anyone who was lucky enough to share a moment or a laugh with DJ in recent years knows that he was probably showing up in a bathing suit and sunglasses, whether it was to work, the lake, the bar, or family dinner. To honor his love for casual comfort and the simple things in life, we encourage everyone to show up to the celebration of life like DJ would, wearing clothes that represent "the good times." Swim shorts, sundresses, tank tops, flip-flops, and jeans.

Memorial Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, October 31st, from 4 to 7 PM at the Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main Street, Concord.

Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 1st from 2-5 PM at Pembroke Pines, 45A Whittemore Rd, Pembroke, NH.