Dr. Michael Francis Montgomery Sr., 78, of Bethlehem, died Dec. 26, 2013, at home after a battle with cancer. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Loren and Ruth Montgomery. He was the husband of Joan M. (Bally) Montgomery for 55 years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Loren and Ruth Montgomery.

He earned a bachelor's degree in Music from West Chester State College and a master's and a Ph.D. in Music from New York University, where he was a teaching fellow.

He was bandmaster of the 276 Army Band, Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He taught middle and high school music in Pennsylvania. He worked in the Music department, and was a department assistant chair and chair, at Kean University, Union, N.J., for 33 years. As a retired Professor Emeritus, he wrote a new Alma Mater for the school. He was a choral music composer book writer. He was the conductor of the Bell Telephone Company Chorus. He was a church choirmaster in N.J.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons Michael F. Jr. and his wife Paula and David and his wife Annie; and three grandchildren, Mary Leigh, Danny and James Montgomery.

Contributions may be made to Kean University Foundation, Conservatory of Music Scholarship Fund, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, N.J. 07083.

Arrangements were made by Long Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.