Donald E. Montgomery, USAF
April 30, 1944 – April 23, 2002

Donald E. Montgomery, a lifelong resident of Southold, Long Island, NY., died of lung cancer at his home on April 23. He was 57 years old.

He was born in Greenport, Long Island, NY. on April 30, 1944, to Edna (Dickerson) and T. Paul Montgomery. He graduated from Southold High School in 1962.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a helicopter mechanic in the 4401st Helicopter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida from 1962 until 1966. In March 1967, he married Elizabeth Terry, who predeceased him in 1989.

After returning from the Air Force, Mr. Montgomery became a partner in Southold Hardware with his father, who predeceased him in 1996. After his father retired and sold the business, he went to work for Clinton A. Hommel Inc., where he worked until 1985. He then joined the custodial staff at Southold Schools, where he worked for the past 17 years.

Mr. Montgomery was a 40-year member of the Protection Engine Company of the Southold Fire Department, and was named fireman of the year in 1998. He was also a member of the Griswold-Terry-Glover Post of the American Legion and First Presbyterian Church of Southold.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a brother, Richard, of Spring Hill, Fla., and his daughter, Brenda Brush of Bridgeport, Conn.

Visiting hours will be today, April 25, 2002 for 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Firemen’s services will be held during the evening visiting hours. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday April 26, 2002 at First Presbyterian Church Cemetery of Southold, Long Island, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to the Southold Fire Department or East End Hospice.