My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Phill Dritsas.  I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing.  We had been friends for over 50 years and shared so much in our wild youth in Golden Valley.  I was always so proud of him ad his accomplishments.  He was a natural salesman and leader.  

My condolences to Tom, the children, Barb, Steve and Kelly.  Phill will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.  

Jane (Richmond) Ward

Sincere condolences to Tom and, especially, to Phill's children. I am shocked to just now hear of Phill's passing. I worked for Phill for 5 years at Fleming Pharmaceuticals before the company closed. Many fond memories. I am deeply saddened. RIP Phill.

Phil's locker from grades 7-12 was either adjacent or one down from mine and he was always such a positive, open and accepting friend. It was energizing years later seeing him randomly DT or at church! On  one such occasion, we had a belly laugh over assuming the other was high at the time. Phil was just a genuine, caring and wonderful human being. Rest in peace Phil.  Jim D GVHS '75

Dritsas Family-
Time has slipped by so fast.  Phil was my first “boss” at USL.  He was a tremendous mentor to me and many others.  He possessed an innate ability to encourage in areas I was good at and not so good at while making it all a positive experience.   He created an atmosphere of accomplishment and fun for all of us at USL.   We got a lot done and had a lot of fun.   It was an example that I did my best to take with me throughout my business career.  He helped make me a better person.  Our paths went different ways since the USL days but I will forever be grateful for his encouragement early in my career.  Our sincerest condolences to your family for your loss.  He made the people and world around him a better place.  Hugs and love, Tom and Barb Hatch

Rest in Peace Phil.  My deepest sympathy to Tom and your family.  The first thought that comes to mind when I think of  you Phil is you are such an incredibly giving person.  Honestly, I think you would have given the shirt off your back to anyone in need.  Phil hired me at Upsher-Smith.  The single longest interview I have ever had.  I remember thinking he is so nice but I have literally run out of things to say.  Phil was always supportive and I will always be grateful to him for the opportunities he gave me.  Tom and family I will keep you in my prayers.

So many great memories of Phill, mostly of how great a person he was and the tremendous leadership that came naturally to him.  He was a true sport when he reluctantly joined us for a Twins game, he found baseball so boring, and as luck would have it the game went into the 9th inning with no score!  He told us it was his last game😃 Watch over us Phill, you will be missed😥

I was Phil’s Assistant for almost 20 years and learned so much from him about business, theater, life and humor.  We had many great times,  laughs and a lot of fun.  I will always remember many times when he would theatrically enter a room — especially if he was late for the meeting—(ta da, enter stage left) and have everyone laughing.  And, one of my favorite memories is of him doing the priest at the wedding in Princess Bride.  He did it perfectly.
Rest in peace, Phil.  Your presence on this earth is missed.
My thoughts and prayers to Tom, Lora, Olivia, Joe, Alex, Kelly, and Steve.
Susan Hartung Adams

I am heartbroken for Tom and all of Phil's family and friends.  Though I haven't seen him for about 5 or 6 years, we always fell quickly back into our phrases we loved so much from Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety and The Princess Bride.  While no one else understood why we'd be laughing, it never got old for us.  

Phil was the most memorable person I have ever met.  He hired me in my first professional position and I learned so much from him. His quick wit and humor always made me laugh.  We shared the exact same birth date (though I always pointed out that he was older by a couple hours).  It was our very personal connection point.

Oddly this morning, I woke up thinking of Phil. It had been a while since I had thought of him. When I heard of his passing this afternoon, I knew his spirit came to me for a reason.  Good bye, my friend.  Your race is done now.  Rest in Peace, Phil.

Dear Tom, Laura, Alex, Joey, Olivia and Steve,
We are very saddened to hear of Phil's passing. We were just reminiscing about him last night at dinner and find today that he is gone. He was a wonderful man who our entire family was extremely fond of and  we know how much he will be missed by all those who love him. Our deepest sympathies to each and every one of you.
Marc and Sherry Maslow

I am so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing.
We were great friends at Golden Valley High School. He is a wonderful person, kind, compassionate and he had a great sense of humor. We spent lots of time together laughing and talking. I am so glad we were able to connect again after many years via facebook and see that he was living a wonderful happy life. 
Condolences to his husband, his beautiful children and the rest of the family. May you find comfort in the days and weeks ahead holding his memory close to your hearts.
Sincerely,
Darcia Watkins(Chase)

OBITUARY

Phillip William Dritsas

31 July, 1957 – 7 November, 2023

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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