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Philip Vincent Lyons

1947 - 2022

Philip Vincent Lyons obituary, 1947-2022, Daly City, CA

BORN

1947

DIED

2022

Philip Lyons Obituary

Philip Vincent Lyons, beloved son, husband, father, friend, and legend passed away peacefully on March 9, 2022, at his home in Burlingame. He lived life his own way for 75 years. Phil was born in San Francisco to the late Margaret and William Lyons. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Michael (Julie), William, and Jerry.

Phil is survived by his wife, Barbara and children, Dan Lyons (Karen), Tara Graupera (Vidal) and Kerry Lyons. Beloved Papa to Kasey, Drew and Kiley Lyons, Kathleen, Joey and Bridget Graupera, and Dylan and Olive O'Donnell. He was uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Phil was raised in South San Francisco where he attended Buri Buri Elementary, Alta Loma Junior High and El Camino High School. He was proud to be part of the first graduating class to attend all 4 years at El Camino ('65). He played basketball at El Camino and at City College of SF.

Although he lived in Burlingame for 51 years, Phil left his heart in San Francisco. He was a true San Francisco character/personality, well known from Candlestick Park to North Beach, Oracle Park to West Portal. A hard worker and a sharp businessman, Phil had a variety of jobs over the years but Harry Harrington's Pub was his home away from home. He bought the Pub in 1979 and for over 35 years he opened the doors 7 days a week. He relished being behind the bar, playing liar's dice and greeting those who lost to him with his unforgettable smirk. He humbly created a meeting place and home for many at Harrington's, as well as quietly helping so many of the local residents. He was such a giving man; a friend once said, "Phil is the most generous man I ever met."

In 2008 Phil bought Sam's Grill and Seafood Restaurant and traded in his Hawaiian shirts for suits just before noon. He enjoyed walking from the Tenderloin to the Financial District making stops along the way. His contagious laugh echoed through the streets of The City and he always had an almost unbelievable story to tell. If he wasn't at work and you wanted to find Phil you could check the paper for local games as he rarely missed a Giants, 49ers, Raiders, Stanford football or USF basketball game.

Phil loved entertaining at his home in Burlingame. In recent years he enjoyed watching games at home with his family, playing Saturday night Pedro at Bonne Sante and teaching his grandchildren chess. Those who knew him will miss his quick wit, the twinkle in his eye and his mischievous smile. He will be remembered for his generosity and vivacious personality.

A Celebration of Phil's Life will be held at Our Lady of Angels Church in Burlingame on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Donations may be made to the Catholic Charities at catholiccharitiessf.org, the Capuchin Franciscans at 1345 Cortez Avenue, Burlingame 94010 or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The San Mateo Daily Journal on Apr. 5, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Lyons

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Sabrina Fallon

March 18, 2025

Aww ! ! Dear Phil !! You have been on my mind this week ,you had the patience of a saint as a boss !! I kept burning your coffee pot out in Harrington´s !! Saint Patrick´s Day was always crazy there !!Thank you for your Robin Hood nature, and unconditional love and kindness when I needed it :) ! I hope you are laughing and content up there

eileen barry

March 18, 2024

well what a coincidence, on St. Pats day I walked up Larkin to see the old Harringtons Pub that fill had once owned ....it brought so many memories returning. It was a beautiful day and I remember so many St. Pats in that corner bar with Phil and gang at Turk and Larkin....god bless all of Phil's family-Barbara and kids

Sheila Moroney Santero

April 8, 2022

Barbara and Family,
I just heard yesterday that Phil passed away. I am so sad and sorry for all of you! Phil was such a character! I haven´t seen him in a long time, but when I did, I knew I was going to laugh a lot and have a great time! What a loss for all of us . I am thinking of you all and sending love !

Michael & Margo Stapleton

April 7, 2022

Our deepest sympathy Barbara and family.. thinking of you all at this sad time

Mike Moran

April 3, 2022

My deepest sympathies to the Lyons family, Phil was the finest and most decent man I ever met, with his amazing wife Barbara always at his side, as my sister and brother in law lived next door, I saw Phil and Barbara often as I traveled monthly from my home in Oregon to Burlingame, invited over often for refreshments, I miss Phil and his wonderful stories! Heaven has another angel smiling down from above! God Bless

Jimmy and Nancy Daly

April 3, 2022

Our sincerest condolence to Barbara ,Danny ,Tara ,and Kerry May God Bless you and your family.
Lots of good memories of Phil. We had many a good dice game in Harrington´s and may be one or two cocktails.
Phil you were a good man
May you Rest In Peace

Heidi Rossi

April 3, 2022

Your Dad was a Great Man! He was very good friends with my dad Donato Rossi owner of Gino's and Carlos in North beach. When these 2 got together back in the day World watch out! They both were very generous men and they both knew how to have a great time so everyone in their presence had same! They don't make 'em like your dad anymore. His smile was infectious! He will live on Forever in your heartsGod Bless you and your mom and family! He will be missed by many! He was a real giver and a joy to b around. Phil Baby Pls say hello to my Papa Donato up there and toast a martini and carry on with your Joyful wonderful self and Rest In Peace wonderful Phil Lyons!

DON ENBERG

April 2, 2022

My condolences l miss my old daily watering hole.

Harrington´s regular one of many.

edwina walshe

April 1, 2022

Barbara Danny ,Tara ,& Kerry . May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He was a true legend. Edwina and Sarah

Sabrina Fallon

March 31, 2022

Sending love and white light ,with a hint of green from Ireland .
Phil was without a doubt a once off !!
The Robin Hood of the TL , a heart of gold , and a contagious smile !!!
We will never ever forget Phil´s love and kindness !! Big hugs to beautiful Barbara Danny ,Tara ,& Kerry .. We will continue to send live and light , love Sabrina and Shea

Debra O'Connor

March 30, 2022

So sorry to hear this. Phil was always a gracious host at Harrington's. God Bless him and his family.

TeddyB

March 30, 2022

Dear Barbara, Danny, Tara, Kerry and extended family, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Phil's well written obituary above, describes this gentleman perfectly. Yes.....his loss will be felt deeply in the San Francisco community and The Bay Area at large. May you rest in Peace Phil, "Bottom's Up!"

eileen barry

March 28, 2022

To Barbara and kids,
I am saddened to learn of Phil´s passing.

i was always appreciative to Phil for hiring me. It was 25 hours a week and allowed to finish up college and pay the rent and manage.

Phil was fuill of life and enjoyed all the sports games and managing his venues. He was an upbeat personality.
He was also proud of his family.
he would love to inform us if there was straight a´s and what game the kids were playing.
I remember when the pool went in and Kerry was getting her first swim lessons.
The last several years i hardly ran into him but i was always thinking, I would catch up with him again.

May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to Barbara and all the family.

Brendan O´Mahony

March 28, 2022

My sincerest condolences to Barbara, Danny, Tara and Kerry. A truly sad loss for everyone, blessed I got to know Phil.

gary l jackson

March 27, 2022

god bless the family

Rich Geisel

March 27, 2022

My Prayers go out to all Phil´s family
I will miss his humor and most of all his kindness towards the way he treated everyone! RIP Phil

Mike Hovan

March 25, 2022

Barbara.. Danny.. Tara and kerry..words can't express my loss...yes,he was(is)a legend!! always brought a smile to anyone around him.. except if playing"liar's dice"! God bless..**HERE WE GO**!!!!

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Memorial Events
for Philip Lyons

Apr

8

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Angels Church

1721 Hillside Blvd, Burlingame, CA

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