Miguel Angel Montalvo Chavez was born in a small rural village in central Mexico. From very humble beginnings, through hard work and determination Miguel went from picking tomatoes to learning english, studying at Florida International University and eventually earning his J.D. from Creighton University. He was a member of the Florida Bar and dedicated his life to defending the rights of the underprivileged and migrant farmworkers throughout the United States.
His tireless work and advocacy on behalf of his clients has impacted the lives of innumerable people. After moving to his ranch in Mexico, Miguel continued his advocacy on behalf of the farmworker and immigrant community, and in particular on behalf of H2A and H2B guestworkers. In the past ten years, Miguel’s tireless and almost legendary efforts allowed U.S. based advocacy groups to reach an entirely new level of effectiveness in combating the worst abuses of guestworkers in the US. Several legal precedents of national importance are a direct result of Miguel’s work.
Miguel never forgot his humble roots believed that every person no matter their background or station in life deserved to be treated with the utmost respect. He had an easy smile and a quick wit. A cowboy at heart, Miguel also was a talented artist, a lover of the great outdoors, and an avid reader of great literature.
Miguel is survived by his wife, Laura Vasquez; his children Mateo Christian and Clara Luz; his father, David Montalvo and by his eight brothers and sisters, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples. A Service will Follow at 4:00 p.m. Those who wish may join the service virtually by way of the streaming link below.
In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Coalition of Florida Farmworker Organizations (COFFO), to the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), or to Justice in Motion.