Phillip Wanderman

May 24, 1943 – October 17, 2026

Phillip Joseph Wanderman, a lifelong resident of Yonkers, New York, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, at Yonkers Garden Nursing Home. He was 83 years old.

Phillip was born in Yonkers on May 24, 1943, to Sylvia (Kowalski) Wanderman and Charles Wanderman. He was raised by his parents alongside his two siblings, Howard and Elizabeth, in Glenwood Gardens. He attended Charles E. Gorton High School and, following graduation, proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

On January 22, 1972, Phillip married the love of his life, Maryellen Curran. Together, they raised their three children, Charles, Philip, and Patricia, in their beloved family home on Abbey Place in Yonkers. Phillip and Maryellen were longtime parishioners of Christ the King Church on North Broadway, where faith and family remained central to their lives.

Following his military service, Phillip began his career as a fireman with the New York Central Railroad before joining the New York Central Police Department as a patrolman. Through dedication, perseverance, and hard work, he steadily advanced through the ranks of railroad law enforcement. In April 1977, while serving as a lieutenant, Phillip was involved in a patrol helicopter crash on the Bronx River Parkway that nearly claimed his life and tragically took the life of the helicopter's pilot. Despite the devastating on-duty incident, Phillip continued his distinguished law enforcement career, ultimately attaining the rank of captain and serving as commanding officer of the Patrol Division for New York and Connecticut with the MTA Police Department. A line-of-duty injury ultimately forced his retirement in 1990.

Retirement did not diminish Phillip's commitment to service. He remained deeply involved in veterans' affairs and the American Legion, serving as commanding officer of Allen F. Waite Post 299. He devoted countless hours to veterans' committees and participated in numerous parades in support of those who served our country. Until his passing, Phillip remained actively involved with the Vietnam Veterans of America, steadfast in his dedication to honoring and supporting his fellow veterans.

Phillip was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maryellen. He is survived by his three children: his son, Charles Wanderman, and his wife, Tory; his son, Philip Wanderman, and his wife, Vickie; and his daughter, Patricia Wanderman. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, James Wanderman, Maryellen Griffith, and Colin Wanderman.

Phillip will be remembered for his courage, his dedication to duty, his lifelong commitment to his fellow veterans, and, above all, his deep and enduring love for his family. His life was defined by service, sacrifice, and devotion to those he loved. His legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, Chapel "A", on October 20, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Christ the King Church, 740 N Broadway, Yonkers, on October 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 100 Mill St, Putnam Valley, NY, on October 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:15 pm.