CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan today issued the following statement on the death of long-time Rotarian and retired Port Authority Marine Director Austin “Babe” Monsanto. He was 94.
“It is with great sadness that Yolanda and I learned of the passing of Austin “Babe” Monsanto.
“As a veteran, an educator, a long-serving marine manager of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, and a lifelong Rotarian, you would find great difficulty in any attempt to quantify his contributions and impact on our community.
“I have fond memories of Mr. Monsanto when he served at the Port Authority. His name was a staple in my home, and I came to admire and respect him as a trailblazer. My mom always spoke highly of him and his commitment to excellence.
“Yolanda and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, especially to his wife, Alda Schulterbrandt Monsanto; his children, Trevore, Stephen and Edwin; and all in the community who mourn his passing.”
“In 2007, Mr. Monsanto was honored for his lifetime of public service to the Virgin Islands when the 27th Legislature commended his numerous achievements in ACT 6935, which renamed the Crown Bay cruise ship terminal on St. Thomas the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal.”
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement mourning the loss of Austin “Babe” Monsanto:
“I was saddened to hear of the loss of Austin “Babe” Monsanto, who was a great giant in the Virgin Islands community. Mr. Monsanto was a prominent member of the American Legion, Rotary Club of St. Thomas, We From Upstreet, Inc., and the Friends of Denmark Society among many other organizations. He served his community on the Coastal Zone Management Commission, Virgin Islands Lottery Board, and of course on the Virgin Islands Port Authority. We will miss his staunch advocacy for marine management, education, philanthropic causes, the arts and culture, and of course his beloved veterans. He believed in advocating for the restoration of social ills and aiding those in great need in the United States Virgin Islands,” Plaskett said.
Mr. Monsanto was actively involved in community service, and it is only fitting to dub him “Community Service Man of the Year.” He always had a way of getting things done and knew who to call to make it happen. His steadfast love for the Virgin Islands community will be sorely missed.
“Let us remember him for his many good deeds and celebrate the joy and the laughter he has brought to us. During this time of mourning for his loved ones and friends, I pray that God will grant you strength and understanding. My prayers go out in particular to his bride, Alda Monsanto. He was a true and honest gentleman.”