Robert Paul Montgomery

Robert Paul Montgomery, 72, died on August 18, 2020.

He was born June 1, 1948 in Kent, OH and resided in Kent his entire life.

Robert “Rockin’ Robin” Montgomery was an internationally known blues piano player.  In his 40+ years he played with Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Joe Walsh, Ritch Underwood & the Monopoly, Rock-A-Billy Cats, Blue Tones, Billie Smith Band, many other unnamed musical stars and his Church. He was a brilliant musician and a wonderful human being. The music community has lost an extremely important and beautiful soul. His piano music can be heard on the internet with many of the above-mentioned bands.

Rob was a graduate of Kent State University High School, and a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ in Kent.  He became fluent in Russian and was a natural, self-taught keyboard player.  Rob was a passionate Cleveland Indians fan and he had an incredible memory, including all the players and their stats.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Moore Montgomery and Robert Paul Montgomery, aunts, uncles and cousin, Paul Moore.

He is survived by cousins Larry (Constance) Jones of Utah, Alice (Lloyd Mielke) Jones of Montana, Joan (Everett Fleming) Marvin of Kent, Tom (Kim) Moore of Michigan, and Stephanie Owen Moore of New York, Norma Montgomery Rafferty of California, and Lloyd E. (Kathleen) Keady (Coach Gene Keady) of South Carolina.

We encourage you to check out the music in his memory.

A tribute is being discussed by local musicians depending on COVID.  Contact Billie Smith or Woody’s for information.

Memorial donations may be made to the United Church of Christ, 1400 East Main Street, Kent, OH 44240 or the Kent Historical Society & Museum, 237 E. Main Street, Kent, OH  44240.

Services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral and Crematory, 628 W Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240.