Joe Prior Sr. wasn’t born in Montgomery, but now that his name is on a plaque in town hall, he jokes that maybe he could be considered a Montgomery native now.

Prior is the Town of Montgomery’s most recent citizen of the month, a nominated honor that happens monthly at town board meetings. Just a year ago, his wife Mary Prior won the award, and although they aren’t born-and-raised Montgomery residents, they feel like they have made their mark.

“We didn’t really actually know everybody so we just jumped in. We’ve been here for almost 40 years, so I feel like I’m from Montgomery,” said Prior Sr.
Prior, who is originally from the Bronx, said he was taken aback when he found out. “I honestly don’t think that I do anything more than what people should be doing,” said Prior Sr.

Although Prior speaks humbly, he is very engaged in the community. He has been involved with the Montgomery Food Pantry for years, with some time spent on their board. He is also a longtime member of the Montgomery Fire Board and serves as the Montgomery Fire District Commissioner. Prior is also a Ruling Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery, having served on the board for 12 years.

In fact, pastor for the First Presbyterian Church of Montgomery the Rev. Jeromey Howard is the one who nominated Prior.

Prior explained what church means to him.

“Just like a lot of people, the church situation comes in and out of their lives through different periods of their life. Right now we are back in the church for a while,” said Prior Sr.

In his professional life, Prior is a construction project manager for a company based out of Manhattan. His office is in Fishkill.

Prior is known for being especially giving with his work, sometimes performing vital repairs for people’s homes when they can’t exactly afford to hire someone.

Prior has two children, a son and daughter, who are both involved in the fire department.

While his son lives locally, his daughter lives in Howells, which is just northwest of Middletown. She is still involved with the Montgomery Fire Department, along with her brother, who is a volunteer fireman.
In Prior’s mind, everyone could do a little bit to help out the local community. When receiving the honor at last week’s town board meeting, he mentioned how honored he was and how proud he was of his family.
Prior had some final thoughts about the honor, including how long it took him to get nominated after his wife Mary.

“The thing I’m most proud about is the fact that my wife also got the award last year. The only problem with that is I’m a little bit behind her. It took me a whole year to get,” said Prior Sr.

If you are interested in nominating someone, send an email to: LRowley@townofmontgomery.com.