JAY DAVID MONTFORT

FISHKILL, N.Y. – Jay David Montfort, 50, a loving and generous son, husband and father, loyal friend and dedicated business leader, passed away Jan. 12, 2010. Jay was born March 2, 1959, in Newburgh, N.Y. According to his beloved wife, Jacqueline, “He was intelligent, witty, loving, and generous. His interests were wide reaching and diverse yet he dedicated himself 100 percent to everything he did and was bound by duty and by always doing what was right.” Jay’s passions included flying, scuba diving, modern art and sculptures, collecting fine wines and world history. It was his family however, that was his greatest love, and it was said of Jay that he “loved anything that was beautiful, but he loved his family more.” He attended Vassar’s Wimpfheimer School, Haldane Central School and in the ninth grade began studying at Hotchkiss School, where he met several lifelong friends. His Hotchkiss classmates introduced Jay to the beauty of Mount Desert Island, where he summered from age 14. Jay completed the combined Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art and Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and computer science at Bucknell University. He excelled in studio classes in painting, drawing and sculpture, as well as art appreciation. He took great pride in his general engineering degree. Jay was also the concert committee chairman for two years. He brought a variety of artists to Bucknell, including David Bromberg and David Crosby. In 1982, Jay followed his roots in the Hudson Valley and joined his father, John, in the company his grandfather started 75 years before, Montfort Brothers, Inc., Fishkill, N.Y. Jay aspired to operate the business with honor and integrity. A meticulous and methodical man, his work ethic was incomparable. He started out as a machine operator in one of the factories and was named president in 2000. At the time of his passing, he owned the business and two other manufacturing and masonry distribution companies: Federal Block Corp. and New Milford Block and Supply Corp. The company employs more than 100 people and is a leading supplier in the tri-state area. Jay was a successful residential land developer, as well. In 1998, Jay fell madly in love with Jacqueline Barlow. Although their time together was too short, they were blessed with two children, Alexander John and Elizabeth Dubois. The family resides in Fishkill, N.Y. Jay delighted in entertaining friends. On weekends and holidays, in the comfort of his home and with Jackie dishing up a gourmet feast, he provided an atmosphere that enabled everyone to laugh the night – and often morning – away. Wearing his signature silk Hawaiian shirt, he took great pleasure in watching his friends have a good time, particularly at Invermeade, the family home in Southwest Harbor. Jay was a wonderful host, not only to his friends, but to good causes as well. He was passionate about giving to others and supported more than 30 charities. Jay was on the council committee of Storm King Art Center and a member of The Holland Society of New York and The Cato Institute, Washington, D.C. Jay will live forever in the heart of his beloved Jackie and their children, Alexander, 8, and Elizabeth, 7. He is lovingly remembered by his stepchildren, Joseph and Darren Barlow, and Darren’s wife, Marilyn and their children, Leah and Jack. He is also survived by his father, John Montfort; his stepmother, Beverly Montfort; and his brother, Jim Montfort. His mother, Elizabeth Frost Montfort; and sister, Judy Montfort predeceased him. Calling hours to be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Auchmoody Funeral Home, Fishkill, N.Y. A celebration of Jay’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Frances Lehman Loeb Arts Center at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., with a reception afterward at Vassar Alumni House. Mount Desert Island will be Jay’s final resting place. A memorial service on his beloved island will be held in the summer at Invermeade, the family home in Southwest Harbor. For those who wish to make a donation in Jay’s memory in lieu of flowers, the family would deeply appreciate contributions to enable Dr. Mark Frattini to continue his groundbreaking research in the cure for leukemia at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Donations may be sent to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., Box 432/Frattini, New York, NY 10065. Jay was an ardent supporter of Harbor House on Mount Desert Island. This special place is the heart of the island community and serves to enrich lives by providing services for those in need along with civic, social, youth, and health and fitness programs. Gifts may be made in memory of Jay Montfort, Harbor House Community Center, 329 Main St., Southwest Harbor, ME 04679.