Ernest Earl Phillips

Phillips, Earl

Phillips, Ernest Earl age 88, died on October 29, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born in Austin, Texas, raised in Dallas, and lived in New Rochelle. He was predeceased by his parents, Edra and Ernest Phillips, younger brother, Walter, and younger sister, Ann, all from Texas. His younger brother, David, of Austin, Texas survives him as do the children of his siblings who reside in Texas and Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Judith, and his four children, Laura (Chris) Loeber, Kathleen O'Hagan, Kyle Phillips, and Leighton (Amy) Phillips. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, Kaitlin, Kailey, and Nuala O'Hagan, Campbell, Christopher, and Connor Loeber, and Jack and Kate Phillips. All were a source of great joy, love, and pride to him.

Earl graduated from Jesuit High School (now Jesuit Prep) earning the prestigious Bishop Hughes Trophy. He continued his studies on full scholarship at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama before going on to Georgetown Law School, again on scholarship. In 1954 he was awarded the Charles A. Keigwin Fellowship in Germany to study at Frankfurt on Mein. In 1956-57 he performed his military service at The Contract Review Agency at the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot.

Earl then taught at Southern Methodist University for a year before coming to join the faculty of Fordham University Law School in NYC where he was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal for long and distinguished service. His specialties were Property Law and Family Law and in the early years his students affectionately called the latter "Sex with Tex." He also authored a monthly newsletter entitled The Truth in Lending Compliance Report. He was a member of the Texas, Federal, and New York Bar.

A gentleman and a scholar, Earl never wavered in his committment to his faith, his family, his conservative values, and Texas. He used to say his one regret was that none of his children were born in Texas. His wisdom, wit, and love will be missed. To honor Earl's life family and friends will gather on Thursday 3pm-8pm at the Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home 767 E. Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck. 914-698-5968.Funeral Mass Friday 9:30am at Church of the Holy Family, Interment to follow at the Kensico Cemetery. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.coxeandgraziano.com.