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John Montgomery Obituary
82, died peacefully on August 14, 2017 after a short battle with leukemia at Hope Hospice & Palliative Care RI. He was the beloved husband of Marjorie (Cunniam) Montgomery for 56 years.
Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Jack was the eldest son of the late Dr. James and Gwendolyn (Goodwin) Montgomery. As a young man, he attended the Ruzawi School in Zimbabwe and Michaelhouse in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa before graduating with a medical degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland in 1959. He came to America in 1960 to pursue a pediatric internship and residency at Roger William Hospital in Providence. He served as a Captain in the US Army during the Vietnam era and was stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. He returned to Providence in 1969 and opened a pediatric practice on Waterman Street where he tended to generations of infants and children before retiring in 2011. He was on the staff of Hasbro Children's Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital.
His love of plants and in particular, flowers, brightened the neighborhood and his garden was a reflection of his patience, perseverance, and quiet endurance. Jack woke early and started most days with a cup of hot tea and the New York Times crossword puzzle. He found pleasure in nature walks, identifying bird's songs, classical music, traveling, and attending plays at Trinity Rep. He was a voracious reader of mysteries and non-fiction and spent many happy hours at the Providence Athenaeum. He especially delighted in watching his five grandchildren enjoy their many pursuits.
Long after he retired from practice, Jack was fondly greeted by former patients, some of whom cared for him during his recent illness. The Montgomery family would like to thank all the medical professionals at the Miriam Hospital, especially Dr. Robert Sokolic, Hallworth House, Hope Nursing Home Care, and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care RI, who treated him and our family with so much care, respect and kindness.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Amanda Montgomery and her husband Rick Von Kaenel of Santa Fe, NM; John Montgomery and his wife Pamela of Riverside, CT; Julie Andrews and son-in-law Todd Andrews of Providence, RI; Sarah Montgomery and her husband Kevin O'Shea of Concord, NH; his five cherished grandchildren Charlie and Jack Andrews and Kate, Emma, and Jake Montgomery; and his brother James Montgomery of Brisbane, Australia and his sister Tessa Pauley of Perth, Australia. He also leaves many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Edward L. Pieroni at St. Raymond's Church, 1240 North Main Street in Providence on Friday, August 18 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to St. Raymond's Church or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Montgomery
Karen Kuhn Antonio
May 20, 2019
I was in shock tonight just before dinner when I learned from my daughter who is one of our 7 children, all of whom were cared for by Dr. Montgomery, that he had passed. Our family has lived in nearby Massachusetts for many years. I do not read newspapers or obituaries, so I had absolutely no idea.
I was quite sure she was mistaken. I knew that we stayed in touch around Christmas. I, then, realized that due to a complicated move after many years with many children and after losing my husband quite unexpectedly, that I did not get to write to anyone last Christmas. Our daughter Katherine was researching Pediatricians, wishing she would be able to take their first child to Dr. Montgomery, though she knew he retired and that I was taking our youngest children (boy/girl twins) to a practice in Massachusetts near our home. By the way - it was with GREAT hesitation and huge DISAPPOINTMENT that my twins went to their new Pediatricians. Their birth was a truly JOYOUS time. We have wonderful photos of Dr. Montgomery holding each of them, and I wish they were on my phone so I would be able to share them here. The sparkle in his eyes spoke volumes - times two!!
Our relationship began around the time of the birth of our first child, on the recommendation of my Dad who was a surgeon and knew Dr. Montgomery over many years. My husband and I instantly connected with Dr. Montgomery's dry sense of humor and low key manner. As an R.N. who was working in Labor & Delivery at the time, I appreciated that "low key" did not at all mean that he was unaware or not taking things in a serious manner when the situation warranted. Having had 7 children, I believe we lived through just about "everything" under Dr. Montgomery's care. We managed everything from children who did not want to be there to having some serious health issues to having lunch together as I would bring food in for the office and some pies I made at Christmas time. We enjoyed all his office staff - Mrs. Ford, Marie, and Maureen. Dr. Lampal was always available on the rare occasion that Dr. Montgomery was not. If I called needing care, they would ask, "When do you want to come in?" How often do you hear that when making an appointment? They worked together and were supportive and understanding every step of the way. My brother whose children were also patients of Dr. Montgomery passed away. Eighteen months later when my husband passed unexpectedly, they were there for us. Then, when my Dad also passed, they totally understood. I know my twins thought of Dr. Montgomery as part of our family, so he had a very important role and was a "constant" in this terrible time of many losses.
I am so sorry that I had NO idea that Dr. Montgomery had been ill and passed. I would have been there for him as he was for us through so many years. I surely hope to connect with his family so they understand my true feelings and to offer my support and love, just as Dr. Montgomery did for our family.
I also happen to have MANY fun stories of our visits and times together. I am pretty sure his family would find an awful lot of humor in hearing of these real life situations.
Though "late in the game," which seems to be par for the course with me, our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sympathy are with Dr. Montgomery and his family. I have had the blessing of many signs that we DO "go on." Surely he has a special place and is watching over us all. I found it so touching to read that some of those who cared for him were babies/children whom he had cared for. My Mom (in-law) Natalie's parting words, after not being able to speak for a time were: "There are NO coincidences!" -
May God Bless YOU, Dr. Montgomery - and ALL your family and friends! We miss you! - Karen & Family
Christine Stimson
August 20, 2017
My deepest condolences to Dr. Montgomery's family. Myself, my sister and many of my cousins were patients of his. He encouraged my mother and gave her peace of mind when she was a new first-time mother. More than one of us had to be told that we were grown and needed to get an adult doctor. He was a wonderful doctor to my own children. He didn't share much of his personal life as a doctor but I remember when he mentioned that his daughter was getting married and that when he told us he was retiring, he said that he was looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren. I am saddened to hear of his passing. May he be welcomed into the arms of God.
Darshell Silva
August 20, 2017
Sorry for your loss. Dr. Montgomery was my pediatrician. He was an excellent doctor and a wonderful kind person.
Lisa Fitzsimmons
August 20, 2017
Your dad was a wonderful person and doctor. He was my pediatrician as a child. I am sorry for your loss.
Tracie Beasley Mediavilla
August 19, 2017
To the family of Dr. Montgomery, my sincere condolences on your loss. Both of my kids,ages 32 and 26 were patients of Dr. Montgomery. May he rest in peace
Yvette Kidd
August 19, 2017
Dr. Montgomery may you find peace being in the arms of the Almighty. Thank for taking care of all 3 of my children. May your family find the comfort and strength to continue your memory and legacy.
Sonja Cannon
August 19, 2017
My deepest condolences goes to the Montgomery family. Dr.Montgomery,was both my children's pediatrician the best Dr. Ever. My kids are now 30yrs old and 27yrs old. My he rest in peace. Thank you Dr.Montgomery for taking such good care of my children. Love always Sonja Cannon.
Larry Roberti
August 19, 2017
Dear Montgomery Family
Please know that I will keep the Doctor in my prayers. He cared for all three of my children who are all in their thirties now, GREAT MAN !!!!
Larry Roberti
August 19, 2017
My condolences to the Montgomery family. Dr. Montgomery was my doctor as well as my children. He was a wonderful doctor.
August 18, 2017
All who have known Dr. Montgomery have been blessed by his kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit. I was fortunate to have had him as a doctor to all three of my children from infancy to adulthood. With heartfelt sympathy from the St. Germain and Andrada Family.
Jennie villella
August 18, 2017
I am so sad to hear of Dr Montgomery's passing. He took care of 3 generations of my family. He was a kind and gentle man. Please accept my condolences. May he Rest in Peace.
August 16, 2017
Sincere Sympathy from our Family to Yours.
Our Dad talked about him. My sister(Dr Taft) reminded me that Dad would cover Dr Montgomery when he went to Military duty.
Dad understood because he was a WWII vet.
Family of (late) Dr. George and Constance Taft
The Pascale Family
August 16, 2017
So saddened to hear of Dr. Montgomery's passing. He was an "ANGEL" to our family. First as mine and my sibling's doctor, then as my children's pediatrician. He saved my sister's life when she was an infant from pneumonia. Never trusted anyone but him. We are sadden by this news. Heaven received another angel today. With our deepest sympathies to all of his family.
Ann M Cheschi
August 16, 2017
What a lovely man. My 3 sons' Dr from 1970-1985. Sail on, Silver Bird
August 16, 2017
How very sad I am to read of Jack's passing. As our pediatrician, neighbor and friend, he was an exceptional man. My condolences, Marge, to you and your children. Virginia Butterworth
Arthur Snow
August 16, 2017
Jack will surely be missed.
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