Tyler Antonio Monteleone, 24, native Nevadan, died May 25, 2008 in the Black Rock Desert. A veteran of Iraq, Tyler served four years in the U.S. Army, receiving a combat commendation and the rank of sergeant. While stationed in Germany he filled all spare time seeing Europe with comrades, climbing in the Alps, and enjoying the food and clubs.
Returning to his home in Nevada, he devoted himself to living - school, mountaineering, fishing, shooting, 4-wheeling, nature, history and Burning Man. On many of his adventures he included his brother Russell and many friends, and even his mother and father, often carrying heavier packs so that they could join him.
Tyler was studying range management, forestry and environmental science in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. In addition to his courses he was employed this spring and coming summer by the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, and was making plans for research projects and graduate studies with his professors.
His mountaineering led him to many high places - Bunker Hill near Austin, Mt. Grant, Round Top, Donner, Red Slate, Crystal Crag, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Whitney, the snowier the better. Loving the adrenaline.
Two years ago Tyler with Russ joined the Rapid Night Response Rangers for the Burning Man project. Soon he found that his love of gasoline engines and his Army experience maintaining Bradleys and Humvees made him useful to the Burning Man Department of Public Works where he found other vets and many kindred spirits, devoting many a hot weekend at Black Rock Station (the ranch).
Tyler is survived by his mother Sue Ann Monteleone of Carson City, father Sam E. and stepmother Glenda Monteleone of Reno, brother Russell Monteleone of Reno, grandparents Fay and Tom Hughes of San Diego, CA, great-uncle Tony Monteleone of Valencia, CA, and many many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
An outdoor service will be 11:00 am Saturday in the veteran's section of Mountain View Cemetery, 435 Stoker Avenue, Reno. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you plant native flowers, shrubs and trees, contribute to fish habitat projects or other projects and causes that Tyler would have loved.
You are in us, the land, water, plants, creatures, and playa dust forever.