William Montgomery

William John Montgomery, age 87, of Barnegat Light, New Jersey passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023.

William (Bill) was born on April 16, 1936, in Germantown, Pennsylvania to Darrell Jess Montgomery and Beatrice Roberts Montgomery. Bill grew up with three siblings, Mary, Theresa, and Thomas of which he was the eldest child. Upon graduating from Barnegat High School in 1955, he began his career as a Hydraulic Dredge Operator on the Barnegat Bay Dredge in Harvey Cedars. Bill proudly operated this dredge for 45 years. Within that time frame he was given a Life Saving Award by the 15th First Aid Squad for saving the lives of two colleagues on separate occasions.

During his career on the dredge, Bill took a chance and went on a blind date to meet the love of his life, Dede. They married February 11, 1961. Shortly after marrying, Bill had built their home in Barnegat Light with the help of his father in 1962. Bill and Dede had two beautiful daughters together, Susan and Jody. Bill and Dede celebrated 62 loving years together.

Bill was known for his talents in wood carving and had a specialty for decoys and waterfowl. He also enjoyed building model boats and ships of all kinds. Many of which are displayed throughout their household. Bill was a caring individual and enjoyed supporting others and donating his time. In his retirement, Bill volunteered at Interfaith Health and Support Services and served as a docent for the Barnegat Light Historical Society.

He was a loving Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Godfather, he will be missed immensely by those who knew him. Bill is survived by his wife Dede, his daughters Susan Montgomery, Jody and husband Carl Janson, His grandchildren Caitlin and husband Daniel McLeod, Emmaline Janson, His great-grandchildren Shain and Tyler, His sister Mary Karch, His sister-in-law Pam Montgomery and many extended family members.

Bill is predeceased by his parents Darrell and Beatrice Montgomery, his brother Thomas J. Montgomery, his sister Theresa Ellen Montgomery Maxwell, his brothers in law Joseph Karch and Robert Maxwell and his grandson Steven Janson.

Services will be held on Wednesday June 28, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ 08008. A memorial gathering will begin at 10:00am followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to:

St. Francis Parish, 4700 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008

Deborah Heart and Lung Center, 200 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015

Hackensack Meridian Hospice, 80 Nautilus Drive, Manahawkin, NJ 08050