Philip Seaman

Mr. Philip Reginald Eric Seaman, also known to many as “Chef”, was born on November 8, 1968 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies. He loved life and lived every minute to the fullest. He was an exceptional husband and father. On September 20, 2016, God called him home.

As a child, Philip saw the world. Every summer he traveled through Europe and often visited America. Philip attended Mount Saint Benedict College, a boarding school in Trinidad. Next, he attended Knox School in Saint James, Long Island where he played on the Lacrosse team. He then transferred to Martin Van Buren High School in Queens upon his family settling in the United States. After graduation, he received his HVAC certification from the Shelter Rock Building Management Universal Program. He married his wife, Nicole, in 2002 at the Unitarian Church in Long Island, a church he helped to build years prior.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nicole C. Harvey-Seaman; his daughters, Chloe and Mia; and his parents, Erica James and Reginald Seaman. Also surviving are his sisters and brothers—Melanie, Olivia, Lucien, Nicholas and Gina Seaman; his niece, Kathleen Collins; his mother and father-in-law, Carolyn and Robert Harvey; his sister and brother-in-law—Robert (Deborah) Harvey, Richard (Lezlie) Harvey, Kimberly Herndon, Shawn Herndon and Christopher Harvey; his aunts and uncles—Arlene Hendricks, Henry “Heno” (Loida) James and the late Cyril “Nello” James; and his cousins—Laura Blackwood, Vivian James, Marion James and Clarisa James.

Philip lived for his daughters and loved taking them to Disney World and to cruise the Caribbean. Sometimes they would vacation in Disney twice a year. He knew every Pavilion in Epcot and could navigate Disney with his eyes closed. His last vacation was spent in Disney in March 2016—a trip his children will never forget. He loved to golf, hang out at the cigar bar in Manhattan, and watch football, international soccer and cricket. Chloe and Mia could always count on him to attend their swim meets and he loved watching them receive their ribbons. He felt so proud!

Phil was employed at Polar Mechanical in Manhattan for over 20 years. He loved his work and his work family and made it a point to attend gatherings with his daughters. Tom, Joe, Julie, Carmen, Frank, John and a host of others were so special to him. Notably, Tom said, “Philip is not an employee, but my son.” They are such a special family and held a special place in his heart.

Although he was ill for several months, it never dimmed his spirits or his demeanor. Even at his lowest point, he managed to find a smile with a keen sense of humor. At 47 years old, it’s a life gone too soon. He was not ready to depart this world yet. Too many hopes and dreams unfulfilled. Too soon to leave Nicole, Chloe and Mia. He loved them so!

Those we hold close to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives. Philip will live in our hearts and we will rejoice in knowing he is at peace in a place filled with love.

Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Sunday, September 25th, from 12 Noon to 2:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be offered within the visitation times by his sister-in-law, Chaplain Lezlie Harvey. Cremation services will be private.