Kenneth W Montgomery

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ – KEN MONTGOMERY passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ. He was 77. Ken was surrounded by the love and comfort of his family when he passed peacefully. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012, he faced the disease with unwavering courage and grace, sustaining remission for more than 13 years. His strength, resilience, and enduring spirit were an inspiration to all who knew him.

For the past 17 years, Ken and his wife Lisa divided their time between Long Beach Island, NJ, and Friendsville, TN — two places that brought them peace and joy. Ken was born and raised in Union City, NJ, a place he held close to his heart. He loved sharing stories from his childhood there and took great pride in his roots. He graduated from Emerson High School and went on get his B.S. in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Ken dedicated 37 years of his professional life to L’Oréal USA, where he began as a sales representative and rose through the ranks to retire in 2012 as Vice President of Retail Services. He was also a devoted member of St. Peter’s-at-the-Light Episcopal Church in Barnegat Light, NJ. His strong faith was a constant source of strength and guidance throughout his life.

Surviving are his loving wife, Lisa Montgomery; his three children, Stacey Gamils, Lauren McCarthy (Kevin), Jeffrey Montgomery; his grandsons Matthew Gamils, Jason Gamils, Nicholas Gamils, Liam McCarthy, Declan McCarthy, Finn McCarthy; his stepson Grey Clevenger (Erin); step grandchildren Ari DuQuette-Clevenger and Indie Grace Clevenger.

Ken was predeceased by his mother Dorothy Mahnken, and his brother Garry Montgomery.

Ken had an endless circle of friends and colleagues, all drawn to his infectious personality and genuine warmth. Everyone who knew him couldn’t help but love and respect him. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for — a quality that made him truly beloved by his family and friends. With his sharp sense of humor and zest for life, Ken embraced every moment. A lifelong music enthusiast, he proudly maintained an impressive vinyl collection and, in more recent years, found great joy in attending live performances at LBI.

A memorial service for Ken will be Saturday, 10/25/25 @12pm, at Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Health using the link below: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/donate

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Ken for the family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com