Daniel E. "Dan" Montgomery

MONTGOMERY Montgomery, Daniel E. (Dan), 68, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 27th, after a brave, 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by those he loved most in this world: his wife, his daughters and their families. Dan was born in Newark, Ohio on October 21, 1948 to the late Charles W. Montgomery and Eula Mae (Ballinger) Montgomery. He was strong in his faith, lived and loved life to the fullest, and was so very proud of his family. In 1969, Dan married the love of his life and best friend, Katherine (Pucharich) Montgomery and they were blessed with 3 daughters, Michelle Montgomery of New Albany, OH; Nicole (Anthony) Paolo of Powell, OH; Danielle (Shawn) Williamson of Worthington, OH. Family was everything to Dan. Of all of his accomplishments, the one he was most proud of was being a Grandfather and his six grandchildren--Joey, John & Nick Paolo and Reed, Kate & Drew Williamson-- were the light of his life. He graduated from Licking Valley High School in 1966 and Fairmont State University in 1970, where he was a member of the 1967 National Championship Football Team and the Theta Xi Fraternity. He remained an active member of the Alumni Group. In 1982, Dan received his Master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. Dan was passionate about teaching and coaching. His 44-year career in public education began in August of 1970 in the Marion City School District. There, he also coached football, basketball and track. In 1971, he moved to River Valley High School where he taught Social Studies and Physical Education and continued to coach football, wrestling and baseball. In 1982, Dan became Principal of East Knox High School. His career as a Principal continued a year later in the Johnstown-Monroe School District where he remained for ten years. From 1993 to 1998, Dan returned to his Alma Mater, Licking Valley High School as Principal. In 1998, he became Superintendent of the Johnstown-Monroe School District and stayed there until 2003, when he assumed the role of Assistant Superintendent of Newark City Schools. In 2009, he served the ESC program as the Assistant Superintendent of the Licking County Education Service Center and in 2011, served the Fairfield County ESC as Superintendent, where he ended his career. Dan was a member of The Ohio Secondary School Principals’ Association, a member of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators and a member of the Ohio Education Service Center Association. Dan also belonged to the Licking Valley Lions Club, and the St. Joan of Arc Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Dan is survived by his mother, Eula (Ballinger) Montgomery of Newark, OH; his brother, David (Barb) Montgomery of Newark, OH; his sister, Cindy (Tom) Burkett of Newark, OH; his sister, Barbara (Fernando) Lucero of Opopka, FL; his brother-in-law and dear friend Francis Pucharich of Glen Dale, WV. Dan is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Charles Montgomery; his father-in-law, Marion Pucharich; his mother-in-law, Katherine Pucharich; his sister-in-law, Agnes DiChiazza; his brother-in-law, Paul DiChiazza; his sister-in-law, Agnes Pucharich, as well as his beloved Grandparents, aunts and uncles. Family will receive friends on Sunday, April 30, 2017 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL 450 W. Olentangy Street Powell, Ohio 43065. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 10:00 AM at ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH 10700 Liberty Road Powell, Ohio 43065 with Father Jim Black as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Health Hospice 800 McConnell Drive Columbus, Ohio 43214 or to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Neurosurgery Center P.O. Box 16810 Columbus, Ohio 43216. To send an online condolence please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.

Daniel E. "Dan" Montgomery

October 21, 1948 - April 27, 2017