Sidney A. Montague passed peacefully on October 5, 2026. He was born on October 22, 1930 in the family farmhouse at Bridgmont Farm in Westhampton, MA. His parents were Edward Montague, Sr and Sadie (Church) Montague. He lived in Westhampton, a place he loved dearly, his entire life. Growing up on a farm during the depression era was significant to Sidney’s later life. He believed in fixing items, not replacing them, hanging onto things for possible later use, and was known to search for a sale and clip coupons. Sidney’s early life in Westhampton was simple - focused on family, farming, school, church, and town events. He enjoyed his early school days attending Westhampton’s (then) 3 room Center School. He was active in 4-H, showing prize winning cattle. He was a plane spotter during World War 2.

He attended Northampton High School where he made new friends. After graduation in 1948 he attended Cornell University. In 1950 he transferred to the University of Massachusetts in order to help out on the family farm, and completed his degree in Animal Husbandry. One summer Sidney worked as a ranch hand on ‘A Bar A Dude Ranch’ in Wyoming. After college he had the opportunity to travel and live on farms in Scotland through the International Farm Youth Exchange Program (IFYE). This led to lifelong friendships and visits between the Montague family and Scottish friends.

Upon his return from Scotland, Sidiney met Louise Pelton at a local Grange Meeting. They married in 1953 and settled down on the family farm to raise their family. In 1958 Bridgmont Farm received The New England Green Pastures Award recognizing the farm as one of the best dairy farms in New England. In 1962 the growing family moved into a new house Sidney was instrumental in building. He left the family farm and started a career as a specialty farm product salesman, traveling across New England, meeting with many farmers and farm product distributers. Sidney continued to help his children in their pursuit of farm activities including raising dairy cattle, riding horses, and gardening.

Sidney and Louise moved to their retirement home, still in Westhampton in 1983. They enjoyed traveling abroad and across the U.S., often spending time in Florida during the winter months. They had an active social life and enjoyed spending time with their many friends and family. They often babysat their grandchildren. Sidney’s life-long interests included spending time outdoors, reading, collecting watches, and knowledge regarding family and local history.

Sidney was predeceased by his wife, Louise in 2025. He leaves his five children: Kim (Joe Gazillo), Jill, Robin (Susan Wilder), Todd (Lanette), and Troy. Sidney also leaves four grandchildren: Chelsea Gazillo, Julia Gazillo (Daryl Barone), Alden Montague, and Rose Montague.

Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life for Sidney will be held on Thursday, October 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Summit View Banquet House, 555 Northampton St. (Rte. 5), Holyoke, MA.

Memorial donations may be made to the Westhampton Blacksmith Shop, 5 Stage Rd, Westhampton, MA 01027.