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Peter Phillips Obituary
Village of Fishkill - Peter D. Phillips, a lifelong local area resident, passed away at home on Saturday, May 25, 2019 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 72.
Son of the late Douglas and Esther "Tippy" (Williams) Phillips, he was born in Beacon on February 7, 1947. Pete was a graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School and SUNY Plattsburgh.
He retired from the Wappingers Central School District in 2005 after teaching Social Studies for 31 years. He was Teacher-in-Charge of the Social Studies Department at Roy C. Ketcham High School and served as Student Council Advisor, Yearbook Advisor, Junior Class Advisor, and Senior Class Advisor. Pete was honored nine times with selection to Who's Who Among American Teachers.
From 1988 to 2001, Pete served in the Dutchess County Legislature, where he served as Majority Whip and also chaired the Public Safety Committee. During his time as a Legislator, he was instrumental in the development of the Dutchess County E-911 system. He became a member of the Village of Fishkill Board of Trustees in 2005 and became Deputy Mayor in 2006, a role in which he served up until his passing.
Pete was a member of Fishkill Protection Engine Co. # 1 since 1966, and served as the fire company's President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. He was also a trustee of the Fishkill Rural Cemetery for 20 years and served as First Vice President.
On October 3, 1970, he married Cristina Hansen in Plattsburgh. Cristina survives at home in Fishkill.
Pete is also survived by a host of loving cousins as well as other relatives & friends.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill. Entombment will follow in the Community Mausoleum at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fishkill Protection Engine Co. # 1, 1132 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524.
For online tributes, you can visit Pete's Book of Memories at www.mchoullfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Phillips
Sponsored by McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc..
Christine Nordlund Stammer
May 21, 2022
Peter was one of the nicest and kindest people in our class. I will always remember his willingness to organize anything. Sadness clouds me upon seeing this memory.
Jeanne Tetrault-Grosse
June 4, 2019
1981/82 This is my most favorite year of high school because of Mr. Phillips.
10/10 Class....best teacher and curriculum that could've happened for me senior year. I LOVED Mr. Phillips for his no B/S take on that program. I learned what I needed to that year to be an ADULT, and then laugh about it all...
RIP, and thank you, Pete Phillips.
Jordan Miller
May 30, 2019
Mr. Phillips was an incredible teacher. He brightened my days in high school, and I can still remember the order of our constitutional amendments because of him. He was a lovely man, and I remember him fondly all these (30) years later. It was a pleasure to have know you, Mr. Phillips.
Christine Stammer
May 29, 2019
Peter and I spent all of high school and junior high together in classes and activities. He was always a kind and fun person and continued to be this in his careers~ education and politics.
I will always remember his warm manner and smiling face.
Wishing you peace,
Christine Stammer (nee Nordlund)
Gail McCarthy-Coble
May 28, 2019
My sincere condolences to Chris and family. Pete and I first met in Kindergarten and we remained classmates through High School Graduation. I will always remember him for his smile and his pleasant personality. He was a kind gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with Pete's family and may he Rest in Eternal Peace Forever.
Anne Amburgey
May 28, 2019
Chris,
My heartfelt & deepest sympathy is
extended to you on the passing of
your dear husband, Peter. He was
indeed a fine gentleman & will
be missed by those who were so
fortunate to have known him.
Nancy & Bill Duncan
May 28, 2019
Chris & Family,
So sorry to hear of Pete's passing, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pete was definitely a 'pillar' of Fishkill and did so much for all.
God Bless you at this very trying time.
Fondly,
Bill & Nancy Duncan
Beth Mostransky
May 28, 2019
So very sorry to learn of Pete's passing. He was such a big part of the Village of Fishkill & will be sorely missed.
My thoughts & prayers to the family.
Beth C. Mostransky
Maria Riccobono
May 28, 2019
Pete was a friend and a classmate. Together we suffered through chemistry... not a strength for either one of us. Many years later Pete was my youngest daughter's social studies teacher and was instrumental in recommending her to DCC for early admit for high school seniors. So happy I got to see him again at our class reunion in 2015! Rest in peace , Pete.
Danielle Mikelic
May 27, 2019
Mr. Phillips was an amazing man and teacher! He made social studies class so much fun. I still remember him and smile. I remember his jokes, how happy we got when he gave us a check plus, and the argyle socks and ties he wore, even after being out of high school for 25 years. He was a teacher that every student admired, respected, and appreciated. May he Rest In Peace.
albert canelli
May 27, 2019
Great teacher always a pleasuer to be around always remembered never forgoten
Jerry Fezza
May 27, 2019
Mrs. Phillips - I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Pete. We bowled together at Touponse and got together a few times to play golf. Never saw Pete without a smile and he always was positive no matter what was going on. He will be missed by all who knew him.
May 27, 2019
Oh my, senior class president, and looking pretty much as he did back then. Great guy. My condolences to family and close friends (I'm sure he had many).
Victor Detmer
Class of '65
Brian Davies
May 26, 2019
awesome teacher. Will be greatly missed.
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Memorial Events
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May
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Calling hours
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc.1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524
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McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc.1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524
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