Frank Monte, a 59-year-old Staten Island man who had been working to rebuild his life, was mauled to death by a pit bull inside a friend’s home in the New Dorp neighborhood on Sunday afternoon. The fatal attack occurred around 4:05 p.m. inside a residence on New Dorp Lane near Weed Avenue, according to police. Monte was pronounced dead at the scene, his body bearing extensive bite wounds.
The sudden and violent nature of his death has left loved ones, neighbors, and members of the recovery community shaken, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Monte had been visiting friends at the home while waiting for a nearby pharmacy to fill prescriptions for heart and cholesterol medication.
According to his longtime partner of 25 years, he had only planned to spend a short amount of time there. Instead, he was killed by a dog he was known to fear, a black pit bull named Bean, which police later tranquilized and removed from the home. No arrests have been made, and the city Medical Examiner has not yet determined the official cause of death, citing the need for further testing after an initial autopsy proved inconclusive.
The Fatal Incident and Ongoing Investigation
Police responding to the scene found Monte covered in severe dog bite injuries. Emergency responders were unable to save him, and he was declared dead inside the house. Officers tranquilized the pit bull involved in the attack and transferred custody of the animal to Animal Care Centers (ACC). While initial law enforcement sources indicated the dog had been euthanized, an ACC spokeswoman later clarified that the animal remained alive and in the agency’s custody as of Tuesday.
Authorities have released limited information about what led up to the attack. Investigators have not confirmed whether Frank Monte provoked the dog or whether other factors contributed to the incident. His partner, speaking in an exclusive interview, said she did not know what happened inside the home but emphasized that Monte was cautious around the dog and would not normally approach it. She described the residence as a “troubled house” and said she personally avoided going there.
The home where the attack occurred has previously drawn police attention. According to reports, officers uncovered pills and drug paraphernalia during a raid at the residence last May, which resulted in the arrest of a 53-year-old man. The pit bull was reportedly owned by a woman who lived in the basement of the house. Frank Monte’s partner stated that the dog had bitten other people in the past, a claim that has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.
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A neighbor told reporters that Monte appeared visibly uneasy around the dog during prior visits. The neighbor, who declined to give his name, said the victim’s fear of the animal was noticeable and that the community was devastated by his death. Police have said the investigation remains ongoing, and the Medical Examiner’s office will determine how multiple factors may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
A Life Marked by Struggles and Determination
Frank Monte’s life was shaped by long-standing struggles with addiction and repeated encounters with the criminal justice system. He had an extensive criminal history, with 37 arrests dating back to 1990. His most recent arrest occurred in April, when he was charged with grand larceny. In the past, Monte had served prison time for drug-related offenses, including a high-profile 2014 case in which he was sentenced to five years after being found with more than 500 envelopes of heroin during a traffic stop on the Staten Island Expressway.
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Despite this history, those closest to Monte emphasized that his final months were defined not by crime, but by recovery and commitment to change. According to his partner and friends, he had been sober for eight months at the time of his death. He was actively participating in an intensive outpatient program focused on maintaining sobriety and attended sessions regularly.
A close friend named Bobby, who went through rehab with Monte, said the two men took their recovery seriously and were recognized within their group for strong attendance and participation. Bobby described Monte as focused and motivated, determined to move forward after years of setbacks. Friends said Monte was proud of his progress and was rebuilding relationships strained by years of addiction.
Monte also maintained a close relationship with his elderly mother, who resides in a nursing home and suffers from dementia. According to a friend, he visited her faithfully every Sunday and Wednesday. Aside from his mother and an aunt, Monte had little immediate family, making his long-term partner and her family central figures in his life.
Remembered as a Caregiver and Devoted Partner
Those who knew Frank Monte best say his most defining qualities emerged in his role as a caregiver and partner. He was deeply involved in the life of his partner’s 34-year-old disabled daughter, whom he treated as his own. His partner said she trusted Monte completely with her daughter’s care, describing him as patient, protective, and loving.
The family traveled extensively together, often going on cruises, experiences that Monte embraced wholeheartedly. According to his partner, he took responsibility seriously and ensured her daughter was safe and comfortable during their trips. These memories stand in stark contrast to the circumstances of his death and the public focus on his criminal past.
Friends and loved ones stressed that Monte was more than the sum of his mistakes. While acknowledging his troubled history, they emphasized his efforts to change and the stability he was beginning to build. His partner said he had been “getting his life together” and called his death a tragedy, particularly given the progress he had made toward sobriety and stability.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about whether warning signs were missed and whether more could have been done to prevent the attack. For those closest to Monte, however, the focus remains on remembering a man who, despite decades of struggle, was trying to move forward and care for the people he loved. His death has left a void in the lives of those who believed in his recovery and were walking alongside him as he worked toward a better future.