Obituary of David Phillips

Olean-- David J. Phillips, formerly of 119 S. 12th Street, Olean, passed away Wednesday (April 6, 2011) at the Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center, after a long illness. Born July 9, 1920 in Batavia NY, he was the son of the late Dr. Edward J. and Bertha Geesey Phillips. On May 13, 1944 in Vernon Texas, he married Verna Jeanne Bundy Graham who predeceased him on June 11, 1991. He later married Evon VanDyke in their home in Olean, who survives. Mr. Phillips moved to Bradford as a young boy. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1938 and attended Kisski Prep School and Wake Forest University in North Carolina. He enlisted in the United States Army serving during World War II, in the European Theater, receiving numerous medals and honors. After the war, he graduated from Edinboro University in Edinboro PA, with his Bachelor's Degree of Science in Teaching. He went on to the University of Denver where he received his Master's Degree in Teaching. Mr. Phillips' teaching career began in Genesee PA and then in several schools in Colorado. He moved back to the area; teaching in Hinsdale, Limestone and retiring from the Olean Jr. High School where he taught math and science. A big part of Mr. Phillips career was also coaching football and basketball. In his free time he was an avid golfer. Surviving besides his wife are two daughters Peggy (Tom) Snopkowski of Hinsdale, Kellee (John) Moroge of North Collins; 1 grandson Steve Crawforth; 5 great-grandchildren; his mother in law Gertrude VanDyke; 5 sisters-in-law Rhonda (Pat) Orcutt of Olean, Carol Hall of Ypsilanti MI, Brenda VanDyke of Olean, Cheri (Michael) Ives of Olean, Tami (Chris) Elliott of Portville; many cousins and several nieces and nephews. Besides his first wife he was predeceased by a grandson Gregory Crawforth Sr., 3 brothers Edward (Ann) Phillips Jr., Blair (Willie) Phillips, Robert (Bertha) Phillips. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Road, Olean on Monday (April 11, 2011) from 10-11am at which time funeral services will begin. Rev. Clara Wilder, pastor of Riverside Methodist Church in Portville will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Veteran's Field of Honors, with full military services provided by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Memorials if desired may be made to The Friends of the Pines 2245 W. State Street, Olean.