Phil Klingensmith, 1939-2025

Phil Klingensmith, RCDD, OSP, RTPM, TECH, CT, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the age of 86. His passing was announced to the industry by Christy Miller, RCDD, RTPM, DCDC, ESCE, CT, who is chief executive officer of BCL Enterprises. Klingensmith was most recently employed as quality assurance manager for BCL.

In a LinkedIn post, Miller said Klingensmith passed away at 1:00pm on December 7, “peacefully surrounded by his family.” Miller also noted Klingensmith’s “gregarious spirit … deep knowledge of the industry … [and] his generosity in sharing it.

“He never just taught; he genuinely cared about the people he mentored and worked alongside,” Miller added.

He was predeceased by his wife and daughter, and is survived by a son and daughter as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Klingensmith’s bio on the BCL website details some of his vast experience in the telecommunications, cabling, and ICT industries, citing more than 60 years of experience. “Phil’s influence extends far beyond BCL,” his bio states. “For more than 35 years, he has played a key role in the development and success of BICSI. Throughout his involvement, Phil has contributed to writing and refining critical certification programs, including the Registered Telecommunications Project Manager (RTPM), Outside Plant (OSP), and Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) designations. As a certified trainer, Phil [held] active certifications as Technician, RCDD, OSP, and RTPM. His dedication to professional development and high standards has helped raise the bar across the ICT industry.

“His telecommunications career began in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an electronic and crypto technician. Following his military service, he spent 28 years with AT&T, advancing from a field technician to a middle manager and eventually to a national account manager, managing large-scale telecom accounts and teams nationwide.”

Details about services for Klingensmith are pending.