Tribute & Message From The Family
Christopher R. Montgomery, longtime resident of Pelham, passed away on February 4 at age 78. A Vietnam Veteran, Chris can be described as a community warrior who constantly gave of himself to anyone who needed him. He served people who were less fortunate than himself. His community service extended far and wide. He was treasurer for Meals on Wheels, past president and treasurer of the Rotary Club of The Pelhams, and treasurer of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce.
Chris graduated from Pelham Memorial High School and New York University where he earned his degree in accounting and received his CPA license. He was an officer in the U.S. Navy and served as a defense courier during the Vietnam War. He moved to San Francisco to begin his accounting career and returned to Pelham to start his own firm in 1988. Chris was treasurer of Beechwoods Cemetery and Auditor of the Village of Pelham Manor.
Chris is predeceased by his parents, Robert F. Montgomery (1994) and Anne F. Montgomery (2004), and brother Stephen (1986). He is survived by brothers Clinton Montgomery of Albuquerque, NM, Robert Montgomery of Portland, Maine, and sister Tracey M. Clothier of Lake George, NY. Additional family members include, Margaret Montgomery of Hershey, PA, Matthew Montgomery of Albuquerque, Tom Montgomery of Chicago, Sierra, Megan and Tyler Clothier of Lake George, and Spencer Montgomery of Chicago. He is also survived by his longtime love, Valerie Jablonski of Queens.
Chris was well known for his sense of humor, empathy, kindness, and generosity. He sought to make everyone he met feel special. Chris also loved history and had strong connection to The Pelhams like his grandfather William R. Montgomery, who was Historian of the Town of Pelham during the 1920s and 1930s. He was a voracious reader spending endless time at New Rochelle Library. Glen Island was one of his favorite places for a good long walk.
A memorial service for Chris will be scheduled at a later date when it is safe to gather in person. Arrangements are through the Pelham Funeral Home. Chris requested contributions be made in his name to "Community Service Associates, Inc." (soup kitchen) in Mount Vernon, and "My Sister's Place" in White Plains.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Chris will always hold a special place in my heart. He was a kind hearted person who would help anyone in need if he could, even an animal. I will always remember Chris as he was there in my life from 8th grade through high school and on. It has been a year and yes you are gone from us but never forgotten RIP
Posted by
Fionnuala Murray - Family January 29, 2022
We will miss Chris and his kindness. He was always willing to help us out, give advice, and take time to catch up. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Posted by
Susan Walker - Ellicott City, MD - Friend May 14, 2021
You always greeted me with a firm handshake and a smile. Always making good out of a bad situation. I had planned on coming by to visit when all this settled down but I guess God had other plans. You helped me in so many ways I can’t even begin to count. My heart is heavy . You touched so many people and will be greatly missed.
R.I.P
Posted by
Sean Murray - Family March 13, 2021
I will greatly miss Chris as a friend and as my accountant for many years. I looked forward to his annual visits when he would drive up in a shiny new car, full of bounce, and would tell stories about his life in the Navy and growing up in Pelham. He was always interested in our family and ready to laugh about life and politics. My condolences to his family and to Valarie.
Posted by
Andrea Prigot Hovaness - Pelham Manor, NY - Friend March 11, 2021
I will always remember you Chris. When you were married to my sister Rosaline we had so many great times together. You were always, thoughtful, kindhearted and we're always there for me when I needed you. RIP
Posted by
Josephine Cosgrove - New Rochelle, NY - friend March 01, 2021
I will miss Chris.i am glad i got to know him, he always made me feel like a friend and i found him to quite funny, we always had a good laugh. he was a great man and may he rest in peace.
Posted by
Ronald Giordano - brookfield ct, CT - Friend February 27, 2021
Chris you will alway's hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being part of my life when you were. I have no regrets and i will carry you in my heart no matter where life takes me.
MY condolences to all the family.
Posted by
Rosaline Cosgrove - 22 mountain view brookfield, CT - Family Friend February 26, 2021
I will always remember you Chris. You were an awesome person I will never forget you coming into delivery room when I was about to have Samantha. You said you would be there for me and you were I love you and you will be missed RIP
Posted by
Fionnuala Murray - YONKERS, NY - family February 26, 2021
Chris was part of our family. We all still loved him he was a gentlemen and a good soul. i will cherish the time we had together. He will always be in my heart forever. He will be dearly missed by us all. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Posted by
Rosaline Cosgrove - BROOKFIELD, CT - Family Friend February 26, 2021
My condolences to all the family. Chris was a kind hearted man who would help anyone in need. I will always remember him and the help he gave me. Not only was he my stepfather at a time and a good one but he was a friend a person you could talk to if needed. Someone that wouldn't judge you but give his opinion a real genuine guy.Gone but never forgotten, he will be missed dearly.
RIP Chris Montgomery
Posted by
Fionnuala Murray - YONKERS, NY - Family Friend February 26, 2021
Chris was part of our family. He meant the world to us all. I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. I have fond memories of Chris' wide smile and sense of humour. His generosity, sense of community and willingness to to help anyone in need were unmatched. He was an amazing human and will be sorely missed. One of my favourite memories is that he was the first person at the hospital when my niece, Samantha, was born. He was always there for us and we will alway remember him. My condolences to Chris's family and close friends. He will be dearly missed.
Posted by
Aisling Murray - NY, NY - friend February 26, 2021
Pat and I offer our deepest condolences to Valerie and Chris' family. He was a caring neighbor and friend always offering, "How you doing, doing okay today?". Chris, you will be missed at The Lodge. Rest in peace, friend.
Posted by
Rosemarie Franchini - Neighbor February 13, 2021
Chris was a vital presence in all of his Pelham positions. As Friend, mentor, astute accountant, colorful conversationalist, ever generous in mind and spirit, he will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to Valerie and his family members.
Posted by
Joanne Amorosi - Pelham, NY - Friend February 12, 2021
My condolences to the family of my long time friend Chris Montgomery. He will be missed.
Posted by
John Reddy - Pelham - Friend February 11, 2021
Condolences to Chris's family and Val.
Posted by
Cece morrell - Village of Pelham, NY February 09, 2021
You will be sadly missed. You were always a pleasant gentleman every time you call or came to Klein Pharmacy. I believe you are with your loved ones and also with your friend James Paul
Posted by
Victoria Forte - Pelham, NY - Acquaintance February 08, 2021
My heart is sad and many good memories with Chris come flooding back. Chris was a special friend. A life well lived and loved. My deepest condolences to his family and Valerie.
Posted by
Ginger Marshall - Spotsylvania, VA - Friend February 08, 2021
You will be missed, Chris. Your helpfulness, professionalism, and sense of humor were most appreciated. RIP.
Posted by
Evelyn Riedel - PELHAM, NY - Neighbor February 07, 2021
Rest In Peace Chris
Posted by
Maureen Vetrano - New Rochelle, NY - Acquaintance February 07, 2021
The family he had in San Francisco.