‘Bright Light:’ Phillip Montgomery, 1960-2024

The CBIA family is mourning the loss of an important member of the team.

Phillip Montgomery, the organization’s director of compensation and benefit services, passed away Sept. 5 at the age of 64. 

For more than three decades, Montgomery supported member companies with workplace safety and compensation advice and resources up until a few short weeks ago. 

He held that role since joining the organization in February 1993. 

“Over his near 32 years at CBIA, Phillip touched the lives of so many colleagues and members and was truly a friend to many,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“His contributions to CBIA, the business community, and Connecticut are immeasurable.”

‘A Bright Light’

Well-liked by anyone who crossed his path, the Dartmouth graduate cared deeply about others and fully understood the value of customer service. 

He could often be found in the office well after business hours researching information for a member company. 

Gracious, caring, friendly, tremendously knowledgeable—those are just a few of the ways business leaders have described him. 

“Phillip was wonderful,” one CBIA member shared following the news of his passing. “He was always there and such a bright light for me when I was struggling.”

“Phillip was passionate and collaborative and we enjoyed working with him,” another member wrote in an email. 

Compassionate, Empathetic

CBIA human resource counsel Diane Mokriski said Montgomery was extraordinarily empathetic. 

Paired with his integrity, compassion, and authenticity, he was a joy to work with, she added. 

“He intuitively understood the human side of the issues he tackled.”

CBIA’s Diane Mokrski

“He intuitively understood the human side of the issues he tackled, and recognized that members craved not just the right answer, but the one that would work for them,” Mokriski said. 

“At CBIA, colleagues confided in him, trusted him, relied on his wisdom, and above all, cared about him.

“Above all, working with him made me happy. What a gift.”

Dedication 

In recent years, Montgomery helped organize safety training programs for employees at businesses around the state. He also hosted CBIA’s annual Safety & Health Conference. 

Volunteerism and community were equally important to Montgomery. 

Outside of CBIA, he was a member of the Connecticut Lacrosse Officials Association and Connecticut Soccer Officials Association, where he served on the board. 

Among the most impactful aspects of his life was his time spent on Journey Found’s board of directors, a developmental disability service providing support to adults with disability.

Montgomery is survived by his wife, Andrea, son Phillip, and extended family. 

For more information about Montgomery and the Sept. 13 celebration of his life, please visit the Carmon Community Funeral Homes website.