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GIRARD -- After more than eight decades of a life spent largely in service to others, Robert Montgomery entered eternal peace after succumbing to complications from a cardiac arrest, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
His passing leaves three children, Brent Montgomery (and his wife, Julie Montgomery) of Weathersfield Township, Paula Ovesny (and her husband, David Ovesny) of Cortland and Michael Montgomery of Cleveland; along with eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, to mourn the loss of a man who overcame the odds to lift countless others in need.
Born in Detroit to Paul and June Montgomery, Robert lost his mother at age 10 and struggled to find his way in the wake of her death. He left high school early and spent a few years living alone in a boarding home.
He found direction after enlisting in the United States Army, where he received basic training at Fort Chafee in Arkansas, with fellow enlistee Elvis Presley, who, according to Robert, had had the fort's second-best singing voice.
But he truly found his footing after receiving his honorable discharge and settling in Youngstown, as this is when he met a young woman who would become the mother of his children and the bedrock of his life, Pauline Sabin Montgomery. They were married for 55 years when she passed away in 2018. The last five years of Robert's life were spent in eager anticipation of reuniting with Pauline.
With Pauline by his side, Robert first found work at The Youngstown Vindicator, where he reported to his father, the Vindicator's head pressman. He then embarked on a working career that saw him engaging in everything from making steel to selling cars.
But he ultimately found his calling in law enforcement, where he began as a deputy with the Trumbull County Sheriffs Office. He eventually retired as chief deputy, the agency's second-highest ranking officer. During his law enforcement career, Robert received numerous accolades for his bravery and exemplary service. He was most proud of his role in overseeing the construction and operation of a new county jail, in which he implemented programs to help inmates obtain their education and overcome addiction. Robert often brought in guest speakers to inspire inmates, including Jim Tressel. The dozens of letters from former inmates thanking Robert for his efforts on their behalf were among his most prized possessions.
But Robert's efforts to help others went far beyond his work in law enforcement. A natural promoter, Robert employed his charisma and knack for inspiring others to organize numerous benefits aimed to assist those down on their luck. He led multiple fundraisers for John Delserone, a local high school football coach who had lost his ability to move and speak due to ALS. Featuring appearances by legendary sports figures like Ohio State's Woody Hayes and Michigan's Bo Schembechler, these benefits raised enough money to secure a state-of-the-art computer that allowed Coach Delserone to communicate using only his eyelids. Robert also assembled a roster of all-time boxing greats to raise funds for retired boxer Tony Janiro, who had faced life challenges after his retirement from the ring. The "Raging Bull," Jake LaMotta, headlined the event. Robert used the experience he gained from these higher-profile events to stage several other fundraisers to help friends and strangers alike.
Robert also had a strong belief in the power of sports to teach important life lessons. He dedicated considerable time and effort to coaching in various youth sports leagues. And after becoming a resident of Girard in 1979 (where he'd spend most of his remaining years), Robert led the effort to establish the Girard Little Indians, a youth football organization that continues to introduce young athletes to Robert's favorite sport. Few things gave him more joy than watching his grandsons, Bob and Erik Ovesny, hit the gridiron for the Girard Indians. He never failed to mention that the former-his namesake and record-setting, all-state quarterback-inherited his athletic prowess.
They say those who knew us when often know us best. When asked to describe Robert as a young man, one of Robert's close childhood friends captured his essential nature in simple terms. "There are two kinds of people in the world. One person gets two dollars and keeps them. The other kind keeps one dollar and gives you the other. Robert was different. If he got two dollars, he'd give you both."
Robert's family will say their goodbyes privately and ask those inspired by his unwavering example of generosity to perform a good deed for someone less fortunate in his honor.
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