Philip Edward Stroth

Stroth, Philip Edward

Passed into eternal life in his home in Lancaster, NY, peacefully with family and friends by his side. His funeral was at Immaculate Conception Church and his final resting place is Nativity Cemetery, Orchard Park, alongside his parents. Phil was born to Norm and Peggy Stroth. Phil was the sixth of seven children in a happy, loving family. Phil was a special needs person with Down Syndrome. He proudly earned his high school diploma from North Tonawanda Senior High School in 1987. Phil worked at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base for over 25 years. Phil moved into his first apartment where he lived with his roommate, Dave P. Phil played softball on the Touching Bases of WNY "Yankees" team with Dave P. and other friends. Phil also attended Buffalo Bisons games with Dave P. His favorite part of the game was the seventh inning stretch, when he loudly belted out "Take me out to the Ball Game". On weekends, Phil cheered on his idol Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Phil also worked out at a nearby gym with his coach/trainer. No one stood a chance arm wrestling Phil. The highlight of Phil's weekends was going to breakfast at Nick's Place with Dave P., housemates, and family members. Phil was friends with Pete, members of the wait staff, especially his beloved Angela, who always looked out for Phil and Dave P. when they walked in. Phil was a world traveler through his years on Amherst Street. He travelled with the organization "People and Places" that arranged trips for disabled adults. Phil's travel included trips to: Cozumel, Mexico, Hawaii, Notre Dame, Las Vegas, Graceland, Dollywood, Florida (Disney); he even went on a Caribbean cruise. Phil loved his trips to New York City and taking in the NYC sights, including Yankees games. Phil flew regularly to see his sister Leslie and her family (Landon, Ella), and attend Yankees games. Phil participated in Leslie's judicial induction, and sat as her "assistant" court officer. Upon retirement, Phil attended the Senior Day Hab program on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, where he preferred to be seen as a helper to the staff and to the other attendees. Phil saw his job as one of assisting people in need in his world. Whether he traveled or stayed in WNY, Phil's most treasured moments were spent sharing time with his family. He loved his parents and each and every one of his siblings and their families and enjoyed his role as "Uncle Phil" to their children. He was a member of the wedding parties in all of their weddings. Phil took great joy in going to Mom and Dad's in East Aurora whenever he could, especially for Christmas and birthdays (his 50th surprise birthday party included an Elvis impersonator). Phil attended every family reunion, and family wedding where he was the best dancer and the garter-catching champion. Phil was never defined or limited by his disability. He learned new things constantly, whether it was a new sport, the guitar, new songs or a new dance move. He had a passion for life that was unmatched. He was excited by everything, would go to many special events with his roommates, family parties and celebrations and never wanted to leave. Phil made every single person he met feel as though they were his very best friend. He smiled, hugged and loved like there was no tomorrow. Even as Phil's health declined, he continued to be that person who smiled, laughed and cracked jokes, who wanted to help everyone, who loved having kind, loving people around him and wanted everyone to be happy. He thanked the staff at West Payne Street constantly for taking care of him. There will never be another Phil Stroth, but the lives of those he touched are better for having known him and to have learned so much from him in his daily message of love and peace and kindness, and in the joy Phil found in every experience in his life. He will be greatly missed.