Leon E. Montague, 84, of Worcester, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in Saint Vincent Hospital.

    He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Constance M. (Ricci) Montague; two sons, Paul P. Montague and his wife Maureen R. Montague of North Grafton and Richard J. Montague and his wife Mara K. Mahoney of Whitinsville; two grandchildren, Kimberly D. Montague of Hadley and Benjamin J. Montague of Worcester. He was pre-deceased by his son, Raymond A. Montague in 1994. Leon was born in Northbridge the son of Edward and Helen (Warren) Montague, and moved to Worcester when he was six years old.

    Leon began his own business, Montague and Sons Bait Shop, at the age of twelve, when he would pedal his bicycle to the former Worcester Poor Farm and collect worms and night-crawlers; he continued operating this shop, on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond, for more than seventy-two years, retiring last year. While operating the bait shop, he temporarily left his parents in charge, while he served his nation proudly in the United States Navy, during World War II.

    Upon his return, Leon worked for many years at St. Pierre Chain, Worcester Pressed Steel, and most recently as Security Supervisor for E.G.&G. Mason Research, before retiring. He was a member of the Worcester Fish and Game Club.

    The funeral for Leon was held yesterday, Friday, July 3, 2009. Interment was in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451.