Obituary of Matthew J. Montgomery

“It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.”

                                    Tom Brokaw

Matthew James Montgomery passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He shared 94 years of love and faith with his family and friends.
 
Born in Hoboken to the late James and Anna (Larkin), Matthew was one of two children to bless the Montgomery family shortly after his parents’ immigration from Scotland. After losing his father at the age of 10, he and his adored sister Nancy were blessed to be cared for by his mother and the wonderful Larkin family. After attending Brooklyn Technical School, he proudly served our country with distinction in the U.S. Army during WWII being deployed to The Pacific Ocean theater. After receiving numerous medals and the war thankfully ending, he was honorably discharged.  

After the war waiting for him back home was an incredibly special lady he had met in grammar school. He was very fortunate to marry Estelle Fogarty in May 1951 in Brooklyn, NY.  Matt and Estelle settled in Denville in 1964, where they proudly raised their six children and made many lifelong friends. He loved and served his community as a dedicated parishioner and usher at St. Mary’s Church, Harvest Festival volunteer, and longtime youth sports coach.
 

Matt worked hard to provide a good life for his family, retiring from HNTB after 44 years of dedicated service. He was an avid golfer, and he passed his love for the game off to his family. He was a lifelong NY Giants fan. He was athletic and always enjoyed sports, he even had some professional baseball tryouts as a young man. As the years went on, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren in all their activities. One of his proudest titles was “Pop Pop” – he loved being surrounded by them. He was a loyal friend to many throughout the years, having just lost his longest friend of almost 90 years.
 
Although we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing The Montgomery Clan’s family patriarch is with Estelle and watching over his family with the love and pride which they always showered us with so graciously.
 
Predeceased by his beloved Estelle, his dearly loved son Robert, and his wonderful sister Nancy; he leaves joyful memories to his devoted children Matthew (Catherine), Thomas, Patrick (Kathleen), Daniel, and Jeanne (Neil); his adored grandchildren Britney, Katy, Courtney, Maggie, Megan (William), Matthew J (Jennifer), Matthew P, Rosemary (Thomas), and Daniel; great grandchildren Tyler, Hunter, Leah, and Ethan, and many cherished nieces, nephews of the Fogarty, Frey and Sellinger Families, and dear friends.
 
The family is eternally grateful to his beloved caretakers over the last few years, Nadia, Jorge, Luz, and Kimberly.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 10th at 10 am at St Mary's Church, Denville. Military Honors will be rendered. ** Mass will be livestreamed** Interment to follow at Denville Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Monday August 9th from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville. 

As a devout Catholic and parishioner of St Mary's RC Church, donations are being accepted to fund a memorial gift in his honor. Those who wish may send to St. Mary's Church, c/o Matthew J. Montgomery Memorial, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834.