Chauncey W. Montana, 53, of Oppenheim, New York, passed on peacefully Saturday night, September 12, 2026 at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville, New York, following a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Chauncey was born on October 13, 1972 in Little Falls, New York and is the son of Linda (Smith) Montana and the late, Wayne Montana. He was educated at Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School and graduated with the Class of 1990. Chauncey or Chance, to those who knew him best, managed to live many lives within the short time he was allotted on this planet.
When he was 17 years old and right out of high school, Chauncey enlisted in the United States Navy making his first life, that of an Aviation Electronics Technician who traveled the world to perform his duty with dignity and honor, regardless of the task. Serving his country overseas during the Desert Storm War Era, Chance’s duty carried him to various parts of the world many would never see. He was honorably discharged in 1993 as a Petty Officer 3rd Class.
Returning to Oppenheim, Chance spent nearly twenty years working whatever was available to support his family while constantly striving for self-improvement. During these years, he was a factory worker, construction laborer, electronics technician, commercial electrician, locomotive electrical assembly foreman, locomotive test technician, roofer, framing carpenter, substitute teacher, library aide and assorted other gigs including fast food service worker and dishwasher. He did this all while attending college classes whenever possible and devouring mountains of books for self-education and writing three books of his own.
It was after this time, beginning in 2010, that Chance would say he finally broke through and found real fulfillment and happiness. That was when he took the leap to leave the land on a small sailboat and make his way to Key West, Florida. He singlehandedly braved tropical storm force winds and towering waves hundreds of miles off shore. This man was ALIVE like so few ever are. It was in his life in Key West that he reinvented himself as a SCUBA Instructor and truly just loved, lived and enjoyed life.
Duty again, forced him to return to Oppenheim and it is from here he departs us with a tip of his hat, a smile, peace and dignity… and no regrets.
A loving father, devoted son, cherished friend, Chauncey will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Chance is survived by his child, Cierra Montana also known as Fox Blackbird and partner, Sam Elthrop of East Hampton, MA; and his beloved mother, Linda Montana of Oppenheim, NY; several other family members.
He was predeceased by his father, Wayne Montana.
A private graveside service will be held at Brown Cemetery in Oppenheim, New York where he will be laid to rest alongside his father, Wayne.
The family is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals.
Chance has asked that anyone wishing to memorialize him to please do so with a donation to your local PBS television station or to do something nice for someone.
To leave a message of sympathy for the Montana Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memorial book.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chauncey W. Montana, please visit our floral store.
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