David Robert Montgomery

David Robert Montgomery, "Dave", age 56, of Durham, CT, passed away at his home on November 29, 2022.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Barbara Montgomery of Durham and Robert Montgomery of Cheshire. He is survived by his daughter Lillian (Lilly) and former wife, Christine Montgomery of Durham; his two sisters, Leslie (Arnold) Ozols of Durham, Lynn (Paul) Breton of Killingworth; his step mother, Jane Montgomery of Milford; his aunt and uncles, Anne & Roger Cargill of Seminole, FL; Richard Harding of Hamden; Annie Grenier of Middletown; his nieces and nephew, Christina White, Stephanie (Thomas) Wells, Celine Breton, and Alex Breton.

Dave was a graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School- Class of 1985. During high school he played on the soccer, track and basketball teams, served on class council, sang in the chorus, and was in the entomology club (who knew that was a thing). After high school, Dave pursued various work opportunities. He was a hands on type of guy who worked as a machinist for Pratt & Whitney, utilized his culinary skills in different roles at The Chart House and Fiddlers to name a few and ended up making a career in carpentry. Dave was more than a carpenter, he was a craftsman, specializing in restoring historic buildings, creating custom cabinetry and taking on unique challenges, like building a salt cave. Dave's eye for detail could be seen in his finish work that was unmatched.

A man of many talents and interests, Dave loved music and played the drums in local bands during his youth. In later years he could be found walking around strumming on his guitar. He was a true outdoorsman, hiking locally and in the Cascade Mountains when he lived in Washington State. Camping was a four-season adventure- just ask his friends about winter camping! Boating was another passion of his, including an annual canoe trip down the Connecticut River to Selden Island with his brother-in-laws and friends. He enjoyed golfing, from playing in leagues to his backyard par 3. He was a gifted cook, famous for his lobster bisque and baker where everyone clamored for his peanut butter cookies.

He was a family man who carried forth traditions and celebrated the changing seasons and their uniqueness. He was proud of the family home and excited Lilly could be found playing in the same yard. Dave's passion for adventure was infectious and he could be seen building giant ramps for sledding and creating larger than usual bonfires in the backyard. Dave enjoyed spending time with his dogs, Marble, Missy, and Zoey. Can anyone guess his favorite holiday? Yup- Fourth of July. He was well-known for hosting "Fireworks on the Hill." One of Dave's most loved qualities was his storytelling. He would tell endless stories from his childhood adventures in Durham with his pack of friends- Kyle, Mike, Sam, Ed, Jeff, Matt, Daryl, and many others.

The family would like to thank all his loyal, lifelong friends and his crew from AA who have supported both him and his family through challenging times.

Friends were invited to attend a memorial service on Wednesday, December 7th at the United Churches of Durham, 128 Main Street, Durham, CT, beginning at 6:00 pm. A reception of soup and sandwiches followed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nathaniel B. Field Memorial Foundation (www.nathanielfield.org).