Thomas J. Phillips, 81, of Onondaga Hill died surrounded by his children on Saturday after a brief illness. Tom was eldest of nine children born on May 26, 1931 to the late George and Bernadine Phillips. A graduate of Hornell High School he excelled in basketball. He served in the US Marine Corps and won the Expert Rifleman Award. He was a member of American Legion. Tom attended Boston College and graduated from LeMoyne College in 1956. He retired from Onondaga Community College in 1993 as assistant director of data processing; prior to OCC he worked for Agway, Inc. and Burroughs, Corp. He was involved in many activities, such as a founding coach of the Geddes Girls Softball League and he taught high school religious education for St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Over the years he participated in numerous golf leagues and most recently bridge clubs and was an active member of Onondaga Hill Senior Center. He was a devoted grandfather and enjoyed attending their sports and other activities. Tom was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Sally Cummiskey Phillips in 1998.
He is survived by his eight children, Genevieve Ptak of Deerfield Beach, FL, John Phillips, Brian Phillips both of Northern, NJ, Mimi (Ed) Fiorentino of Lake Forest, IL, Patricia Phillips, Martha (Charles) Lyon, Eileen (Dan) Coates all of Syracuse, and Daniel Phillips of Boston, MA; “Papa” was a dedicated grandfather to his 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by his eight siblings, Ann (Tom) Rohan, Mary Kelleher, Susan Anderson, Jimmy (Nancy) Phillips all of Hornell, NY, Margie (Kirby) Noye, Michael Phillips both of Rochester, NY, Deacon George (MaryLou) Phillips of Binghamton, NY and Sara Wheeler of Upland, CA; several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, 10:15 a.m. at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 259 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dewitt, NY. Viewing one hour prior to the service on Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Condolences may be offered at www.faroneandson.com
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