Floyd C. Montgomery, Jr. died at Moravian Manor retirement community in Lititz, PA on August 14, 2021, at the age of 85, after a battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and metastatic prostate cancer.
Born and raised on a farm in Illinois, Floyd lived for more than 50 years in Lancaster County, where he was a passionate advocate for teachers throughout a 24-year career with the Pennsylvania State Education Association. He was a devoted teacher, leader, and mentor who often heard in his retirement years from grateful students, colleagues, and educators.
Floyd served on the board of the United Way, the Counsel for Drug and Alcohol Abuse and his national union’s executive committee. He expressed his commitment to equality and justice in the way he lived his life and in frequent letters to the editor.
Floyd was a kind and loving man, an irrepressible storyteller and lover of puns, a skilled woodworker and rose grower, a competitive bridge player, and an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, and boater who loved the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. He raised his children with a reverence for nature.
A talented musician, Floyd graduated with honors from Northern Illinois University and directed state championship high school bands. Over the years, he shared his love of music with many congregations as an organist, choir director, and singer.
He moved to Pennsylvania in 1968 after receiving a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Atlanta University. Before taking a job with PSEA, he was a high school guidance counselor in Harrisburg for three years.
Floyd is survived by Joy Montgomery, his beloved wife of 65 years; children L’Aura, Peter, and David; their spouses Lane, Dan, and Sharon; grandchildren Brandon and Jared; six great-grandchildren; and his dog, Little Dude. His sister Alice passed away on the same day he did; they were preceded in death by their brother David and their parents Floyd Sr. and Olive.
In accordance with Floyd’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Friends are encouraged to share memories on his Facebook page and invited to make a contribution in his honor to Hospice & Community Care or the charity of their choice.
Dave, Joy and entire Montgomery family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. Floyd was such a kind man who had a great sense of humor. May you feel God’s love and peace as you mourn his passing.
Also, thank you Dave for your kind words when you heard of my Dad’s passing. I really appreciated it. It’s so hard losing a part of the family.
Gail Rohrer Lanas
Hundreds of thousands of PA school employees and their families lead richer and better lives as a result of the work Floyd did. He was a respected colleague. I miss his candor and sense of humor.
Sincere condolences to Floyd’s family. We knew Floyd from Universal Gym, he always had a smile and was always ready with a funny story. He will be missed.
I met Floyd way back in the 70’s. He was the PSEA advisor to our Lampeter Strasburg contract negotiating team. Negotiations resulted in a teacher’s strike – I think the first one in Lancaster County’s history. As a young teacher, the strike was one of my most challenging experiences but Floyd’s ability to put things in perspective with a sense of humor and insight helped to carry the day. It remains a highlight of my career. I ran into Floyd and his wife a few years ago at Longs Park and it was evident that his sense of humor and consideration were lifelong traits. His smile says it all. May all your memories help to fill the void his passing has created.
Joy, We are so sorry to hear about Floyd’s passing. We will miss him very much at Moravian Manor.
Manor Greene residents, John & Dixie Smith
I met Floyd at Bridge at Maple Grove and looked forward to arriving at his table. He was a joy to be around. My deepest sympathy to his family of whom he spoke of with great love and pride.
Dear Joy, L’Aura, David, and Peter,
Floyd was an amazing and dynamic person! His ability to convince people to unite in support of their cause and move them to take action in their own behalf was unequaled! He knew how to move people to understand the justice of their beliefs and recognize their rights.
He inspired and encouraged me to believe that I was able to do field work for PSEA-NEA, something I never dreamed I could do. His support and belief in my abilities helped me to reach the conclusion that I really could make a difference in the lives of others.
Without him, I would never have pursued the most wonderful work in my life – work that was immensely rewarding as well as meaningful and fulfilling.
He will surely rest in peace in the knowledge that his life’s work helped so many people to live better lives. His legacy will live on in educators, union staff, and colleagues who learned from him and taught others in the same way.
Dale first met Floyd at Maple Grove in 2010. He had the good fortune to meet him when he was needing a new partner and their bridge partnership lasted more than eleven years. We soon met Joy and began spending evenings together having dinner and playing bridge. Floyd and Joy were always a pleasure to be around; their love for one another shone through. Although our political views weren’t in sync, we were always very tolerant and never let our differences affect our friendship. Floyd had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. We also learned what a talented musician and woodworker he was. We were thrilled when the Montgomerys moved to Moravian Manor and we began enjoying dinner together every Monday after an afternoon of bridge at Maple Grove. Floyd handled his various health issues with strength, resolve and bravery. We played BBO bridge twice each week from April 2020 until early August 2021. He looked forward to it each week, as did we, and it kept his focus on fun rather than dealing with ailments. We treasured every moment. Floyd was an inspiration to everyone he met. His legacy lives on through Joy, his kids and grandkids. We are blessed that he was part of our lives. 🥰❤ Dale and Martha
What a nice man—a gentleman. I enjoyed playing at his Bridge table. He was always kind & never got upset with mistakes any of us made. My deepest sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace.
Mary Anne Aichele
What a beautiful, friendly, accomplished man. It was a blessing to know Floyd. He fought tirelessly to support teachers. Later, I met up with him again at the bridge table. He was an excellent player and always indulged in this serious, competitive game with a sense of humor. Many hearts are broken at the passing of Floyd. Peace and blessings to his family.
Dear Joy,
I only met you one time but Joe and I knew Floyd while playing duplicate bridge. He was a great bridge player but we also enjoyed his wonderful personality,his jokes and his kindness. As a retired teacher I am so grateful for Floyd’s great skills as a negotiater.
We send our sympathy to you and your family for your great loss.
Sincerely,
Joe and Sue Hurlburt
Enjoyed getting to know Floyd at the bridge table. Kind man.
Thank you Floyd for 6 enjoyable years at your bridge table. Your kindness and instruction was always appreciated by this new bridge player. You and your wonderful humor will be missed.
Our hearts are sadden by Floyds passing . We did good things together-concerts,Staff contract and racketball. Peace my friend
Floyd is probably my fondest memory of friendship among the PSEA staff. We really hit it off with our love of music and other interests. Our sincere condolonces in this time of grief.
Floyd was an amazing and accomplished man. He was a good friend and advocate for teachers. He will be missed greatly.
God Bless him and his family.
Floyd stayed with you the summer we were going together, 65 years ago. Ljoyook forward to being on fb with you
Oh where do I begin?! After meeting Floyd and Joy through their son Peter, a high school friend, I enjoyed a friendship with them in my adult years through our mutual love of music. Both Floyd and Joy were always so encouraging and supportive of me and my passion for music! I was thrilled when they were considering Moravian Manor, where I was employed and I discovered a new connection with them! Floyd was a bright spark with his humor, his attention and his love of life, as well as his love of “Little Dude”! He shared “Little Dude” with the folks in our skilled memory support areas and felt strongly about making a difference in the lives of others! He made a difference in so many lives and will be greatly missed!! My most heartfelt condolences to Joy and all the family! Much love 💕
Dear Joy;
When duty told me on the phone that Floyd had passed I was stunned!! I was stunned into silence where are you remembered so many things from the past when he played in our church and how he recovered from his broken hand. So many memories flooded in. He was such a big part of our church. I loved Floyd as I love you Joy!! We had so many good times together, not just in church, but out to eat, at your cabin, going waterskiing
Etc.
I am so grateful his hand healed and that he could come and play for our church. He blessed song is this with wonderful music and powerful present. You and Floyd are always in my heart, and there you will remain forever.
A big warm hug to you Joy!! May the days ahead be filled with good good memories of dear dear Floyd♥️♥️♥️🌷🌷🌷
Very fond memories of Floyd and the many arduous hours spent negotiating teacher contracts at ELANCO. Thank you for everything you did for us. It was a joy working with you.
There just are no words! The beautiful, ordained and spirit filled music Floyd helped share with the Unity church was amazing! It was an honor to work with him! I feel an emptiness in the middle of my heart. May the peace that passeth all understanding abide with you Joy and your entire family. I am happy to know Floyd no longer suffers the illness’s of this earth!
Joy, my sincere condolences. It’s been many many years since I’ve had any contact with Floyd, but I remember him well from my childhood in Illinois.
Terry Piske
Joy, my sincere condolences. So sad that we haven’t been in contact for so many years. My brother, Tom, and I have tried to remember where Floyd slept when he spent that summer with us. The family has certainly spread out across the states. Prayers for comfort and hugs for the whole family.
Patricia (Montgomery) Jones
My condolences to Floyd’s family, friends and colleagues. He was a great guy dedicated to children and the public employees who serve them. May he rest in peace.
Dave, Your father’s story will live on in the hearts of all who have read it and will live on through you. May his love, accomplishments and guidance bring your heart peace during this most difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Floyd helped so many teachers gain respect, a better standard of living and security. His advocacy for public education was unmatched. It was an honor to work with him over the years, and also to teach his children. My condolences to all.
Many happy times on the Chesapeake Bay with Floyd and Joy. My deepest condolences.
Much love to the Montgomerys from Texas. We enjoyed the limited time spent with Floyd and Joy and the family and we hold ya’ll dear in our hearts. May the Lord wrap you in peace and comfort.
Brad, Rachelle and Ryan
Thanks you, our hearts from PA go out to our TX family, take care.
Dave and Sharon
Dave, thanks for sharing this story of your father. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. I will hold your family in my heart.
Dave and family – thanks for sharing this window into your dad’s life. A life well-lived is a reminder to us all who we want to be.
Thinking of you and your extended family and friends.
Dave and all family members,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know it has been a while, but it is still hard to learn your dad passed away. Please convey my sincere condolence, and I am thinking of you all the time.