Remembering David Montgomery

May 9th, 2019

“David was truly a great man. I have never known a person with more integrity or who truly cared so much about everyone who worked for the Phillies. He and I worked hand-in-hand for over 30 years. During that time, I saw his unparalleled love for his family, the Phillies and the team’s fans, and of course, the City of Philadelphia. David was a big reason why the Phillies won 12 division championships, five National League championships and two World Series championships in that time. He was a fierce competitor in everything he did, including his battle to fight his illness. He will be tremendously missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.” - Bill Giles, Phillies chairman emeritus

“I was blessed to have had David as a dear friend for almost my entire life. As everyone who knew him knows, he was an extraordinary human being. In addition to his legendary kindness, warmth and integrity, he was just more fun to be with than anyone I’ve ever known. It was an absolute joy to be around him. My life has been incredibly enriched because of him. It has been recalled that when Harry Kalas died, David said that the Phillies had lost their voice. One could say that the Phillies have lost their heart and soul today, but because his impact is so great - his legacy is so enduring - we will really have that heart and soul forever.” - Mike Stiles, former Phillies COO

"Today, everyone who knew David Montgomery is feeling a profound loss. He was a humble man whose management style was to treat all employees in the manner that you would like to be treated. He only wanted the best for everyone in the Phillies organization, for their families and for the team's fans. I am honored to have worked closely with him during my time with the Phillies. Doris and I send our condolences to the Lyn and the entire Montgomery family." - Pat Gillick, Phillies senior advisor

“David epitomized and represented all that was family for the Phillies. His humility and kindness was something he showed to everyone he touched. His love of the game of baseball came through with everything he did and his goal to keep making the game great was infectious. His impact on mine and my family’s life was both personal and professional and I owe so much to him. My family and I will miss him deeply but his impact on our lives will be everlasting. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lyn and the rest of his family as well as the entire Phillies family.” - Ruben Amaro Jr., former Phillies general manager

“David led in a collegial manner, which made everyone feel he was ‘one of us.’ Whether interacting with the commissioner of baseball, an intern in the lunch room or a fan on the street who wanted to talk about the bullpen, David listened and cared. He loved his family, he loved his city, he loved his friends and he loved his Phillies.” - Ed Wade, former Phillies general manager

“David Montgomery exemplified all that was good. He was kind, thoughtful, compassionate and cared about people. He was never ‘Mr. Montgomery.’ He was simply David, the kid who grew up in a blue-collar family in Roxborough. He was my boss and we had our differences, but they always were civil and always had a resolution. He was the most honest, ethical person I've ever known. When David told you something, his word was all that was needed. He battled his illness the way he did everything. It never was about him and he wanted no sympathy. He just liked to see people smile and be happy. That will be his legacy to me – always try to find the good. He was the best man I've ever known and we had a friendship I'll always cherish.” - Chris Wheeler, former Phillies broadcaster

“David was like a fourth brother to me. My mom would say the same thing about him. He was kind, thoughtful and inclusive to everyone he touched. We worked together for 18 years, had our moments, but our relationship always trumped our disagreements. Just an amazing man.” - Dennis Lehman, Cleveland Indians vice president, business and former Phillies executive

“David was the backbone of what the Phillies organization was run on and that is family because he treated everyone with respect and love.” - Brett Myers

“It’s a sad day for our Phillies family. Thank you, David, from the Rolens for your unwavering kindness. Our best to the Montgomery family, friends and fans across the country whose lives he has touched, which is undoubtedly a large number.” - Scott Rolen

“If you’ve ever met David then you were fortunate enough to have met one of the best people you’d ever meet in life. His infectious smile and childlike giggle were always a favorite of mine when I knew I said something that would make him blush. He loved his Phillies more than anyone could and that only took second to the love he had for his wonderful family and beautiful wife, Lyn. He was relentless and passionate about making sure the fans and players knew they were family, and that, together, we were the thread that made this organization and this city so great! Rest easy, my friend. I love you.” - Jimmy Rollins and the entire Rollins family

“A sad morning to hear of the passing of my good friend Dave Montgomery. Dave probably had an influence on more of our Phillies family than we knew. He will truly be missed. Donna and I pray for Lyn and his family during this time of need.” - Mike Schmidt

“David Montgomery was one of the kindest and most genuine people I had the honor of knowing in the game. He treated everyone he met with the same respect, regardless of whether they worked in the front office or behind the scenes at the ballpark. He was a true gentleman and knowing him made me a better person. Andrea and I are so saddened to hear of his passing and we send our love and prayers to Lyn, his children and all who loved him.” - Jim Thome

“Dave Montgomery is one of those rare men who you can’t help but love and admire the moment you meet him. Dave’s ‘family first’ approach resonated throughout the entire Phillies organization and was, in my opinion, a huge reason for our success. The news of his passing is a tragic loss not only for anyone that knew him but for the entire city of his beloved Philadelphia. I pass along my most sincere love and thoughts to his wife Lyn and their family.” - Chase Utley

“I am beyond crushed by this news. David Montgomery gave a little boy growing up in Maui a chance to live out my dreams. He instilled hard work, dedication and passion into me and every other player who had the privilege to know him. He also showed us the importance of giving back to the community unlike anyone else I have known. He was truly one of a kind and I am blessed to have had a special man like David in my life.” - Shane Victorino