Joseph Stanley Mongini

Joseph Mongini

August 15, 1943 – February 6, 2026

Joe, a lifelong resident of the Verde Valley, passed away on February 6, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on August 15, 1943; to the parents of Adolph and Sally Mongini and was raised on the UVX Dairy in Cottonwood, Arizona. He was one of the last babies delivered at Jerome Hospital before it closed its doors.

He attended Willard School, Clarkdale High School, and later Mingus Union High School, where he played basketball and earned the nickname Spread Eagle for his height and long reach on the court. He was also actively involved in FFA throughout his high school years.

From a young age, Joe developed a deep work ethic and love for agriculture. At just 11 years old, he began driving the dairy truck before school, delivering milk throughout the Verde Valley and assisting his father, Adolph, with deliveries as far as Flagstaff. Before and after school, he worked alongside his father tending dairy cattle, farming, and operating equipment- experiences that shaped the course of his life.

He attended Northern Arizona University, on a basketball scholarship where he studied agriculture. Farming remained his passion and lifelong calling. He became widely respected for his knowledge and expertise, particularly in high-yield grasses and corn production, and worked closely with the University of Arizona’s agricultural department on crop research and development. His agricultural expertise also reached beyond Arizona, consulting with dairy farmers in Australia who encouraged him to relocate, although he chose to remain close to home to support his father during his declining health.

Some of his most cherished memories were made working long days and late nights-working cattle, baling and planting hay, and driving his semis. He was known for his tireless work ethic, deep knowledge of the land, and pride in providing for his family. He balanced farming and trucking with additional work at CTI and the Phoenix Cement Plant. Later, he ventured into his business, JF Holsteins. After the dairy farm, Joe founded UVX Trucking, hauling hay across the region for many years and leaving a lasting impression wherever the road took him.

Joe served his community with dedication, including time on the Cottonwood Ditch Board and the Verde Rual Fire District.

Joe will be remembered for his strength, love for the lord, humility, and unwavering dedication to agriculture, family, and his community.

He is survived by his spouse, Merry Mongini; children, Melissa Franklin (Shane), Jami Prentice (Larry), and Joey Mongini (Missy); grandchildren, Paetyn Ware (Elijah), Paxton Prentice, and Paris Prentice; sister, Bobby Peterson (Bill).

Services will be held on February 21, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cottonwood, Arizona at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for any donations be made to the “Food For the Poor” organization.

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