Edward A. Montague, Jr., a dedicated public servant, loving husband, father, brother, and a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, passed away peacefully on Dec. 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Newark on March 2, 1937, son of the late Edward and Mary Montague.
Ed married the love of his life Carol in 1959, together they created a beautiful family by adopting three children from three different families through Catholic Charities, giving them a life filled with love and opportunity.
Ed proudly served as a member of the Delaware State Police, retiring as the Captain of Troop 5 in Bridgeville. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to public safety left a lasting impact on the community. After retiring from the Delaware State Police, Ed successfully ran several small businesses, including a convenience store and two package stores in Laurel and Long Neck.
Ed began a third career as a salesman with Dodd Dental Laboratories. He developed countless friendships, including with the owners of the dental lab and many of the dentists they served. These relationships extended beyond his professional life, as his annual hunting trips often included the lab owner and several dentists, a testament to the meaningful connections he forged.
Ed was a lifelong advocate for Ducks Unlimited, serving in various roles at the local, state, and national levels. Ed demonstrated his commitment by becoming a Grand Slam Life Sponsor, a prestigious and significant financial achievement requiring Life Sponsor contributions in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Ed was instrumental in establishing the Delaware Ducks Unlimited specialty license plate program and was a catalyst in founding the Feather Society and Planned Giving Program, a pioneering estate planning initiative that has raised approximately $45 million to date, with an estimated $600 million pledged to further Ducks Unlimited’s mission.
Ed also spearheaded the annual Greenwing Event, an initiative introducing youth to conservation and the outdoors, fostering a love for nature in future generations. Even in his final days, Ed tirelessly promoted Ducks Unlimited, sharing its importance with everyone he met, including his critical care nurse in the ICU.
Ed’s love for his family and the outdoors was evident in all that he did. He cherished annual waterfowl hunting trips to Canada, the tradition of Sunday family dinners, and his contributions to the baseball fields in Laurel, where he supported youth sports and fostered a sense of community.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Montague, and his grandson, Brock Montague.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Jean Montague; two sons, Michael Montague (Laura) and Patrick Montague (Susie); four grandchildren, Conner, Caleb, Nathan, and Zachary. He is also survived by his sisters, Carole Skibicki (Bob) and Linda Lake (Ron), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his close friends/neighbors Dave and Judy Elliott.
Ed’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His life was a testament to service, dedication, and love for his family and the natural world.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ed’s name to Delaware Ducks Unlimited in his memory.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 528 E Stein Hwy. in Seaford.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.