Thomas James Montgomery, 69, of Hughesville, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 20, 1955, Tom lived a life marked by generosity, passion, and deep connections to his community.
Tom graduated from Westminster College, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He then attended Temple School of Pharmacy, where he joined the Kappa Psi Fraternity (Beta Omega Chapter). After years of study, he became a pharmacist, following in the footsteps of his mother, Pauline.
As the owner of TJ’s Market and Montgomery’s Pharmacy, Tom was a Hughesville fixture, known for his long chats with customers about football, wrestling, and more. His commitment to the community was evident in his willingness to help anyone in need; he would often open the store on holidays and deliver medications to those who couldn’t afford them, never seeking credit for his generosity.
Tom loved wrestling. He was a season ticket holder of Penn State Wrestling and a devoted assistant coach for the Hughesville High School wrestling team. He faithfully attended States every year, where he would eat pizza and stay up late talking with lifelong friends. Despite his health troubles, Tom made it to the Olympic wrestling trials at Penn State this year.
Beyond wrestling, Tom’s zest for life extended into many areas. He built a large sneaker collection, loved cars, and was always making changes to his house. Though he wasn’t particularly outdoorsy, he cherished annual canoe trips with friends and could play ping pong for hours. Every summer, Tom enjoyed watching the Little League World Series, a tradition started by his father, George. He also delighted in taking trips to New York, soaking in the energy of the city and catching at least one Broadway show. Tom was known for his love of big parties, weddings, and any large celebration where he could connect with others and celebrate.
Family was central to Tom’s life. He was fiercely protective of his sisters, Paula and Pat, from a young age-famously intimidating his older sisters’ senior boyfriends as a freshman in high school. He adored his nephews, and even though none ever joined the wrestling team, he proudly displayed pictures of their baseball and football injuries in his kitchen. Thanksgiving dinners were special, as Tom savored his food slowly (especially his mother’s lemon chess pie), often remaining at the table long after others had retired.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Ivy Bixler-Montgomery; his sisters, Paula M. Rothaus (Kenneth) and Pat Montgomery (Bill Ford); his nephews, Alexander Rothaus (Courtney), Philip Rothaus (Kalyn), and Andrew Rothaus (Allison); and his great-niblings, Tyler, Owen, and Sophia Rothaus. He was predeceased by his parents, Pauline R. and George L. Montgomery.
For those who want to honor Tom’s memory, the Thomas Montgomery Memorial Scholarship has been established. Donations can be sent by mail to, East Lycoming Scholarship Fund, 349 Cemetery St., Hughesville, Pa. 17737. Please make sure to mark the donation as “Tom Montgomery Memorial Scholarship.”
In lieu of a formal funeral ceremony, a memorial party will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the SilverThorn Tavern, 104 N. Main St., Hughesville. In true Tom fashion, it might start a little late, but all who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at http://www.mccartythomas.com.
