Philip Foster Ettinger

Philip Foster Ettinger, 82, after a lengthy illness, passed away on Dec. 11, 2024. He was born in New Hyde Park, New York, on May 20, 1942. At the age of 4 the family moved back to the family home in Indiana. Phil graduated from South Bend Central High School, in South Bend, Indiana. He attended Purdue University and was then drafted into the U.S. Army. During this time he married his wife, Donna Elaine Vollstedt Ettinger.

Phil graduated from Western Michigan University, then moved to Hillsdale Michigan. He received his CPA certification in 1973 and worked for the public accounting firm of Harris, Reames, and Ambrose. It was during those years that he pursued his love of flying by earning his private pilot’s license and working on his balloon pilot’s license. He was active in the Jaycees, the Exchange Club, the Masons and the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale, Michigan.

He changed careers to municipal government and served as City Controller and City Assessor for Hillsdale and then as City Manager of Litchfield, Michigan.

In 1985, the family moved to Winter Park, Florida, where he was employed by Armor Systems, Continental Circuits and he ended his working career as a park attendant for Red Bug Lake Park in Seminole County. During his time in Florida, he was a member of the Bahia Shrine, the American Legion and Winter Park Presbyterian Church.

Even though he was no longer able to pilot a small plane, he continued his interest in flight by watching the Space Shuttles and various rockets take off from the Space Center or even from his own driveway.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna Ettinger, a daughter, Dr. Wendy Elaine Ettinger Ethridge (Wayne), a son Dr. Karl Erik Ettinger, a grandson, Walker Zayne Ethridge and a niece, Annie Ettinger.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1:00 at Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave. Winter Park, FL 32792. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association or Winter Park Presbyterian Church.