Richard B. Montgomery

Richard “Monty” Montgomery, 98, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and friends. A true American hero, Monty lived an honorable, adventurous, and inspiring life that touched everyone who knew him.

Born on March 9, 1927, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Elizabeth and Carroll Joseph Montgomery, Monty was the eldest of four children and is predeceased in death by his siblings Betty Park (Gordon), Joan Thomas (Joe), and Carroll Montgomery.

His youth was shaped by World War II, and at just 18 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945, serving with pride until his honorable discharge in 1947.

Monty’s adventurous spirit carried him through life’s many chapters. In 1960, while living in Miami, fate brought him together with Necia, a spirited New Zealander on holiday. Their love story began with a simple request for directions outside the Blue Seas Hotel and blossomed into a marriage of 64 years. They wed on December 30, 1960, and built a life of deep love, laughter, and shared adventure.

Monty’s career reflected his courage and compassion. He proudly served as a Miami-Dade County firefighter from 1963 until his retirement in 1995. Among his many acts of bravery, he received a Medal for rescuing passengers from a plane that crashed in Biscayne Bay—a testament to his fearlessness and selflessness. Beyond firefighting, Monty was an inventor, holding several patents, including “Monty’s Dive & Ski Platform,” a device designed to make life on the water safer and more accessible.

An accomplished free diver, fisherman, and mariner, Monty’s life was inseparable from the ocean he so deeply loved. He swam the Chesapeake Bay twice, completed triathlons and marathons, skydived at 70, hang-glided at 89, and bungee jumped at 90 at the famous Kawarau Bridge Bungy in Queenstown, New Zealand. In his late 80s, he began competing in Spartan races, ultimately becoming the world’s oldest person to complete a Spartan Race, breaking his own record year after year from ages 92 to 97. Even into his late 90s, he was free diving in the Bahamas, rock climbing, and practicing gymnastics.

Despite his many accomplishments, Monty never sought recognition. He was remembered most for his warmth, humility, and quick wit. A captivating storyteller with impeccable timing, he made every gathering brighter. His family and friends will cherish not just the memories of his adventures, but the love, laughter, and kindness he shared so generously.

Monty is survived by his beloved wife, Necia Montgomery; his children, Diane K. Bekkedam (Barry Bekkedam) and Richard Brice Montgomery Jr. (Cheryl Lavan); his grandchildren, Jessica Capps, Jennifer Capps,Taylor Barnett, Brooke Bekkedam, Brandon Bekkedam, Blaise Bekkedam, Dustin Montgomery (Jessica Montgomery) and Christina DeLaFuente; his great-grandchildren Aiden, Kael, Walker, and Palmer; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Aycock-Riverside Funeral Home, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with service beginning at 11:00 AM. A reception will immediately follow at Waxins Restaurant, 5300 Donald Ross Rd, Unit 130, Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Dog Ranch Rescues' Veteran Dog Training Program, which trains rescue dogs as service animals for veterans at no cost—a cause Monty deeply admired. Donations can be made by calling 561-791-6465 or go to https://www.bdrr.org/veteran-dog-training

Monty lived a life without limits, guided by courage, love, humor, and an unshakable sense of adventure. His legacy will endure in the stories, the laughter, and the inspiration he leaves behind.