Philip A. Armstrong

Philip A. Armstrong, age 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington, IL. His loving daughter Cindy (Armstrong) Germinaro and her husband Jim, were by his side. Phil was born March 29, 1936, in Chicago, the son of Alan and Olive (Marchant) Armstrong. Phil moved with his family to Wonder Lake, IL in the 1950's. He graduated from McHenry High School in 1955. In 1956, Phil married the love of his life, Diane Munson. When Phil was in high School he boasted that he was a "greaser" and a jokester. He was a member of "The Saints". When his "gang" arrived at local football games, the band would strike up the song, "When the Saints Come Marching In". Phil was an avid fisherman and hunter for most of his life. He and life-long friend Les Ring spent a lot of their free time fishing and hunting at the Bull Valley Hunt Club. For over 30 years Phil and Les fished, rain or shine, summer through winter. Phil always spoke highly of The Bull Valley Hunt Club owner George Wold Sr. George and Phil were great friends. Phil often worked several jobs at a time to support his family. He worked as a service manager for his brother-in-law, Lloyd Munson at Munson Marine in Volo, IL, for 20 years. He also worked with Jerry Danko (Danko's Marina). He later worked for Bockman Windows and Doors for 10 years. Phil's last job was his most cherished. He worked as the lead driver at Centegra Hospital in McHenry for 12 years. His patients all loved him. He often told stories of how he would decorate his van for the season or holidays. Phil would often play patient's favorite music and sing along with them. Phil always went above and beyond caring for and meeting his patients needs. He shoveled driveways, brought dog treats for patients' pets and took patients to church. Whenever his patients needed something, he was there for them. He even bought a window air conditioner and installed it out of his own money. Phil was given a special recognition for his caring and positive attitude and for always exceeding his patient's needs. Phil was a die-hard sports fan. He enjoyed the Cubs, Blackhawks, Raiders, and the Green Bay Packers (his mom was from Green Bay, so its ok!). His daughter Cindy and son-in-law Jim Germinaro enjoyed taking him to his first Blackhawks game, and Cub's game. As he grew older, he would share a cold beer and watch any sporting event with his daughter Cindy. Phil prided himself as a master gardener. His skills and green thumb yielded the best garden in the neighborhood. Phil also contributed his opinions on a plethora of subjects in the letters to the editor section of "Letters to the Editor", in the Northwest Herald. Phil was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Diane (Munson) Armstrong; his parents, Alan and Olive Armstrong; sister, Lois and brother Robert "Bobby". He is survived by his loving daughter, Cindy (Armstrong) Germinaro and son-in-law Jim; son, "Chip" (Denise) Armstrong; two grandchildren, Amanda (Diedrich) Kurzawski of Vernon Hills and Adam Davenport of Chicago; two great-grandchildren, Quinn and Zane Kurzawski, and his 2-best fur-friends, C.J and Bugg. A Celebration of Phil's life was private. He will be interred in St. Mary's Cemetery along side his loving mother. Any donations may be made through Colonial Funeral Home and Crematorium, 591 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, IL 60050. On a final note, my dad was and will always be my hero. He was the biggest, strongest person I knew. He will surely be missed by all those who knew and loved him. The saddest part of life is when the person who gave you the best memories becomes a memory.