PHILADELPHIA -Mayor Kenney and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell issued the following statements today on the death of Phillies Chairman Dave Montgomery:

Mayor Kenney:
“I join all Philadelphians in mourning the loss of Dave Montgomery, who helped build the Phillies into one of the preeminent sports franchises in the nation. Dave was a true local success story, a Philly native who worked his way up from the team’s sales department to become President, co-owner, and later, Chairman.

“I had the pleasure of knowing Dave, and I know that in the past few years he fought his health battle with the same vigor and courage with which he ran the team. Dave left his mark not just on the Phillies but on all of Philadelphia, particularly in his countless contributions to our city’s youth. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends, and the millions of Phillies fans who supported the team during his long tenure.”

Commissioner Ott Lovell:
“Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Phillies Chairman Dave Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery was a champion for our city and a long-time partner who played a key role in bringing sports and enriching activities to countless Philadelphia youth. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Phillies MLB Urban Youth Academy. This partnership enhances the quality of baseball and softball throughout Philadelphia while creating dynamic youth development opportunities.

“Last fall, to celebrate Mr. Montgomery’s lifelong contributions to the City of Philadelphia, Daisy Field in Wissahickon Valley Park, where he played baseball in his youth, was renamed David P. Montgomery Field. Last week, he was honored by the Fairmount Park Conservancy as the recipient of the Centennial Award for Civic Leadership. We are deeply appreciative of his leadership and his numerous philanthropic contributions to bring meaningful experiences and spaces to Philadelphians.”

To honor the memory of Dave Montgomery, all City of Philadelphia flags will be flown at half-staff for one week.