MONTGOMERY, Joseph, longtime Philadelphia area trucking executive and business owner, passed away in the care of his family on January 22 at the age of 97. Joe was born and raised in Philadelphia, the oldest child of Joseph and Elizabeth Montgomery. He was a proud 1940 graduate of West Catholic High School. Following graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II from 1942 to 1946, primarily on ships transporting troops into and out of active war zones.  After the war, he attended St Joseph's College and graduated in 1950 before beginning a long career in the transportation industry. He was one of the most well known and admired sales executives in the greater Philadelphia region, working 35 years at Wilson Freight and then ultimately at P&P Transport of Pennsauken NJ, which he co - founded with his oldest son in 1984.
Joe oversaw the growth of  over 200 trucks at P&P, and with his son, he sold the company in 2007.  During his career , he was active in many Philadelphia area traffic clubs.  He retired from transportation after the sale of P&P in 2007.  He enjoyed following the Philadelphia professional sports teams and was especially proud of having the foresight to purchase season tickets to the fledgling Philadelphia Flyers in their first season and had prime tickets next to the Flyers bench for forty years.  In addition, he was a long time season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.  Joe was also an avid bowler and won many trophies over the years, including his years as captain of the Knights of Columbus traveling bowling team. Joe was predeceased in 2005 by the love of his life, the late Mary (nee McHale) after 53 years of marriage. His brother and two sisters passed away before him.  Joe is survived by son Joseph( Patricia ),daughter Maureen Richards (Carl) and son Stephen ( Gina).He was the proud Pop-Pop to Joey, Keith, Patrick, Garrett, Matthew, Katie, Christopher, Kaitlyn, Megan, Kerri, Stephen, Matt, Michael. Great Pop-Pop to Aiden, Liam, Kaylee, Max, and Michael. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing on Thursday 9:00 to 10:15 A.M, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M., St. Katherine of Siena Church., 9700 Frankford Ave., Phila., PA 19114. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Disabled American Veterans, 5000 Wissahickon Ave., Phila., PA 19144.