- Date Of Death: December 26, 2013
- State: Pennsylvania
Dr. Michael Francis Montgomery, Sr., 78, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, December 26, 2013, after a battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Joan M. (Bally) Montgomery, with whom he shared over 55 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Loren and Ruth Montgomery. He graduated from West Chester State College with a B.S. in Music, and served as Bandmaster of the 276 Army band in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He taught both middle and high school music in Pennsylvania, and completed his M.A. and Ph.D. in Music from New York University, where he was also a teaching fellow. For 33 years, Dr. Montgomery worked full time in the Music department at Kean University in Union, NJ, where he also served as an assistant chair and chair of the department. Under his leadership, the Music Department achieved full membership in the prestigious National Association of Schools of Music. Dr. Montgomery was known as a thoughtful, kind and talented musician and teacher with a wonderful sense of humor. After retiring from Kean, he became Professor Emeritus, and continued to maintain a relationship with the University, including writing a new Alma Mater. Dr. Montgomery was the composer of several published choral works, and was the author of Music: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Foundations of Musicianship in 1981. He also served as the conductor of the Bell Telephone Company Chorus, and as choirmaster of several churches throughout New Jersey. For family and friends who knew him, as well as people who simply heard him play the organ on Sundays or at their weddings, all were touched by his talent and warmth. A loving man, Dr. Michael Montgomery will be hugely missed. Survivors: wife Joan; sons Michael F. Montgomery, Jr. and his wife Paula, David Montgomery and his wife Annie; grandchildren Mary Leigh, Danny and James Montgomery.
