Cal Montgomery graduated from Charleroi Area High School and The Business Institute of New York. But the nontraditional education he received early in life in Dunlevy and the Mon Valley also has played an important role in his success in the financial world.

"Growing up in Dunlevy gave me the opportunity to experience life in a small town and the meaning of caring about other people," said Montgomery, of Brick Township, N.J. "There were about 500 people living there in the early to mid-'60s, and I think I knew at least 450 of them. Everyone knew one another and watched out for one another. There were lessons I learned that have remained with me, and I value those wonderful childhood years for many reasons."

Montgomery, 58, has been in the banking industry since 1973, when he joined Charleroi Federal Savings Bank. A 1966 graduate of Charleroi Area High, he earned his diploma from The Business Institute of New York in 1969.

"I was influenced early in my career by Dave Marshall, who was the executive vice president of Charleroi Federal when I started there, as well as Ron Rossi, who also worked there, and Jim Sutherland, who was the manager of the Mon Valley Credit Union in Allenport," Montgomery said. "All three were great role models for me. Many of the things they taught me about banking, finances and people have helped me throughout my career."

To complement his formal education and the guidance of Marshall, Rossi and Sutherland, Montgomery has taken numerous continuing education courses in the industry with a strong emphasis on appraisals over the years.

"It is gratifying to know you are part of someone's largest investments, in most cases, in life," Montgomery said of his work as a certified residential real estate appraiser with Hudson City Savings Bank for more than 20 years. "Hudson City is the fourth largest savings bank in the United States with over $29 billion in assets. We are recognized as the most efficient savings bank in the country, and I'm proud to be part of what we do."

In addition to reviewing incoming appraisals for value and possible fraud, Montgomery specializes in valuations of oceanfront properties along the Jersey Shore with values in excess of $1 million.

Montgomery retains strong ties to the region for several reasons.

"I have two sons living in the Charleroi area," he said, smiling with a proud tone in his voice. "John lives in Monongahela and is married to the former Ronna Voelker. He graduated from California University of Pennsylvania and is employed by the state Department of Social Security in Washington. Martin lives in Charleroi and graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where he majored in video production. He works for Traffic Pulse Networks as a traffic reporter."

Montgomery also has two brothers, Jerry, who lives in the Poconos, and Bob, who lives in Middletown, Md.; and a sister, Eve Montgomery, who lives in East Windsor, N.J. Their mother, Mrs. Helen (Andrews) Montgomery, passed away in 1988.

"She was a wonderful woman and a great mother to my brothers, my sister and me," Montgomery said.

Montgomery said his activities at Charleroi Area High School "were minimal."

"Soccer was my big interest," he recalled. "I played and lettered in soccer all three years and belonged to the Varsity Club for three years."

What he didn't say was that he was a standout soccer player who earned All-WPIAL honors as a junior, along with senior teammates Jonathan Kruczek and Michael Borrelli, and repeated a year later.

Also as a youngster in Dunlevy, Montgomery played soccer for the Junior Redbirds coached by Dan Haywood.

"Danny was very instrumental in teaching me the game of soccer," Montgomery said. "We had a couple of championship teams under his direction. It was fun and a great learning experience playing for him."

As an adult, Montgomery played senior soccer for Hazel Kirk and was a member of their West Penn League championship team. After moving to New Jersey, he joined the Hungarian-American Soccer Club of New Brunswick and played for several more years. He also helped organize a youth soccer program in his community and coaches for six years.

"Soccer is finally a big sport here in New Jersey," he said. "There are tons of children playing in the leagues in our area."

While family beckons the proud father back home for visits, Montgomery also enjoys "getting together with old friends from Dunlevy."

"I especially look forward to attending California University (of Pennsylvania) soccer games where my good friend, Dennis Laskey, is coaching," Montgomery said. "Dennis has been 'Mr. Soccer' in the Mon Valley for years and has had great success there as a coach and as a mentor to so many young men and women. I also try to get back to the area to catch Pitt basketball and Pirates games with my sons."

When he's not busy with his banking duties, Montgomery enjoys attending Rutgers University football, basketball and soccer games and playing golf. He also likes to travel to Atlantic City and New York City to attend shows and is looking forward to a trip to Italy later this year. And when it comes time to relax or get in a little exercise, friends can generally find him "walking along the boardwalk in the evening" at Point Pleasant Beach.

"This is a beautiful shore community area," Montgomery said. "But I think of Dunlevy and Charleroi High School quite often. I have such fond memories of those years. The people of the Mon Valley are the finest people I have ever met and known."