He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine, of 67 years, sons Philip (and wife Teri - Connecticut), Anthony (Florida), John (North Carolina), grandchildren (Serena, Anthony, and Vincent), and many nieces and nephews. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1932 (parents Frank and Helen), affectionately known as “Canvas Back” or “Philly Mars”, Phil met his sweetheart, Catherine, when she was 16! He served in the United States military during the Korean War before marrying Catherine and starting a family in New York.
He worked as a salesman and sales supervisor and was a shrewd and frugal negotiator. After raising his three boys, he and Catherine moved to Florida in 1983 to escape the cold winters of New York, and be close to family who had already made the pilgrimage down south.
Despite being retired, he served on the Board of the Hollows of Deer Creek for 15 years.
Phil was an old-fashioned guy who loved many things - golf, tennis, casinos (though he hated giving ‘half a point’ on a bet), and gardening. He loved listening to major league baseball on his battery-powered radio, and was a well-known cheat when playing cards with family members.
He was a foodie and had been thoroughly spoiled by Catherine, who was an outstanding cook. His daily “SEAL workout” (which he obsessively performed every day until this year), would hold the occasional privileged observer in rapt attention. Phil was even better known for his inimitable portrayal of Santa Claus
on Christmas Eve for his boys and his grandchildren as well.
Philly touched many lives over his 89 years, and will be greatly missed. He now resides in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Rest in peace, Poppy/Pusscat!!!
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