Tom J. Montana

Tom J. Montana, 89, of Rockford, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015. He was born in Rockford on December 28, 1925; to parents Peter and Catherine (Maggio) Montana. He married his loving wife Jacqueline Erb on October 21, 1950 in Rockford. Tom was proud to have served his country in the United States Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Medusa in the South Pacific. Tom served his community as an officer with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Dept. and the Cherry Valley Police Dept., until he fully retired after 45 years of service. Tom spent most of his career in the Rockford Public & Private Schools working with local youth through the Junior Deputy Program, where he taught the importance of safety, integrity, and respect for the Law. He was also a proud charter member of the American Motorcyclists Association for more than 65 years, riding well into his 80’s.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jackie; daughter, Roxanne (Michael) Reese; grandchildren, Chad (Hillory) Reese, and Amy (Derek) Donahue; great grandchildren, Colin and Caiden Reese, and Emma Donahue; siblings, Anna Swanson, James (Ruth) Montana, Rose Sandoval, and Charles Montana; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Millie, Mary, Peter, Anthony, John, and Sam.
Funeral service will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 20, 2015; at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL, 61108. Visitation will be 12:00 PM until time of service on Thursday. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Tom’s honor to the Cherry Valley Police Dept., D.A.R.E. Program. Tom’s family would like to express a heartfelt “Thank You” to Dr. Trent Barnhart, the caring staff of OSF Hospice, and to Tom’s caregiver, Marisa.