Edward H.     Montray

Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient

Edward H. Montray, 85, husband of Marilyn (Morrissey) Montray of Newtown, died March 8 in Danbury Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on December 9, 1921, a son of Carl and Lady Anna (Trimble) Montray. Mr Montray moved to New York with his family at the age of 12.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Margaret L. Montray of St Louis, Mo., and Mary L. Schall of Maplewood, N.J.; a stepson, Phillip Hubbard, Jr, of Atlanta, Ga.; a stepdaughter, Susan Hubbard of Tarrytown, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; a great-grandchild; three nieces and three nephews. He was predeceased by a younger brother, Paul K. Montray; and by a sister, Peggy Gaddis.

Mr Montray joined the US Navy and became a decorated World War II seaplane pilot, based in the Philippines. His personal decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and six air medals.

After his Navy service, Mr Montray returned to New York and attended New York University, briefly considered an opportunity in aviation, but instead took a job as transportation manager for the Sinclair Oil Co. and began a long career in the oil industry. Mr Montray was the longtime owner-manger of the Compass Oil Company of Upper Saddle River, N.J.

Mr Montray had an active interest in the restoration and maintenance of diesel autos and built homes in Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Millbridge, Maine. He has been a resident of Newtown for 18 years.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Saturday, March 17, in the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. Interment with military honors will follow in St Rose Cemetery. Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home on Friday, March 16, from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Danbury Hospital Dialysis Fund, Nelson Gelfman Dialysis Unit, 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury CT 06810, Attention: Mrs Manlogat.

The Newtown Bee        March 16, 2007