Monte Dale Mckillop

Monte Dale McKillop, a fourth-generation Petaluman, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on May 28, 1953, to Harold and Florence McKillop, Monte was raised in Petaluma and graduated from St. Vincent de Paul High School. He spent his summers working on his Uncle Henry Barboni’s dairy, developing a lifelong connection to livestock, the land, and hard work before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During the Vietnam War, he served aboard naval ships with a quiet sense of duty and honor.

Monte devoted 41 years to McPhail Fuel Company, delivering propane throughout Sonoma and Marin counties. He was known for his dependability, strong work ethic, and deep community ties, becoming a familiar and trusted presence to many.

In 1979, Monte married Debra, celebrating with family and friends at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall. Together, they built a life on 2.5 acres off Bodega Avenue, where they raised their sons, Ryan and Steven. Monte poured his heart into the property, raising sheep and cattle, tending the land, building fences, and cultivating gardens.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: grilling on the patio, hunting with friends from the Hicks Valley Gun Club, making deer sausage, and sipping a brandy and Seven. He loved old westerns, counted down to crab season, enjoyed watching car racing, and cheered passionately for his favorite Bay Area teams, especially the 49ers. Monte often joked that his claim to fame was an uncredited appearance in George Lucas’s American Graffiti.

Monte is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Debra; his sons, Ryan McKillop (Sally) and Steven McKillop (Brandon Hynes); his cherished grandchildren, Joe and May McKillop; his siblings, Sharon Monticello (Tory) and Bill McKillop; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and steadfast presence in the lives of those who loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory in Petaluma. All who knew Monte are warmly invited to attend and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Providence Hospice Foundation of Sonoma County.