Kenneth L. Montgomery, auto dealer, former drag racer

Kenneth L. Montgomery, 71, of Roslyn, an auto dealership operator and drag racer, died Monday, Jan. 28, of lewy body dementia and multiple myeloma at Abington Hospice in Warminster.

In 1960, Mr. Montgomery started Montgomery Auto in Keswick with his father, Jack, and older brother Jack Jr., now deceased. The business is operated by Mr. Montgomery's son Kenneth Jr. in Jenkintown.

Mr. Montgomery was an avid drag racer. From 1970 to 1977, he was sponsored by Chrysler Corp. for the Chrysler drag team.

He won three national events in the Super Stock class in 1971, 1973, and 1998 and held numerous records. He was inducted into the Super Stock Hall of Fame in 1997 and into the National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

In 2007, Mr. Montgomery was honored by the Rotary Club of Glenside. Two years later, Gov. Ed Rendell honored him for his contribution to drag racing.

He and his wife, the former Angie Beal, met in ninth grade at Glenside Weldon Junior High School.

Surviving, in addition to his wife and son, are sons Shawn and Scott; a daughter, Stacey Valera; seven grandchildren; a brother; and a sister.

Mr. Montgomery was interred in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 2, after a viewing and Funeral Mass at Queen of Peace Church, 820 North Hills Ave., Ardsley.

Donations may be sent to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Valley Square, 512 Township Line Rd., Suite 133, Blue Bell, Pa. 19422.