Philip Frederick Boettcher

Reverend Mr. Philip Frederick Boettcher peacefully entered eternal life on March 11, 2025. Born and raised in New York, Deacon Phil was a free-spirited and mischievous young man who lived life to the fullest.

Deacon Phil often shared memories from his early life, including playing with model trains gifted to him by his grandfather, spending summers with his extended family at the Bungalows in Lake Grove, New York, driving his beloved green MG with a tan interior, and working with his uncle at Holiday Manor. He enjoyed restoring his first home and often hosted backyard summer barbecues where friends and family could come together to create memories. He found peace sitting on the porch of that house, listening to the sounds of passing storms or lying in the hammock, enjoying his favorite musicians, especially Bob Dylan. Sailboats and learning to sail were also among Deacon Phil's passions. He took pride in creating a "Bungalow experience" for his daughters by purchasing a pink (or "Caribbean beige") house at the Jersey Shore, where they spent weekends with their cousins.

A lifelong learner with a strong work ethic, Deacon Phil was a proud graduate of St. John's University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. His first career as a soft drink sales manager combined a sometimes tough exterior with a natural ability to build meaningful relationships with others. This job required moving from New York to Alabama, where he embraced Southern culture while cherishing his New York roots and forging lifelong friendships with colleagues.

Deacon Phil's faith and sense of service to others were evident in all his actions. Retreats were part of his faith journey, allowing him to find renewal at Bishop Molloy Retreat House in Jamaica, Queens, and St. Ignatius House in Atlanta, Georgia. He continued to deepen his knowledge of the Catholic faith and was called to pursue a Master's in Theological Studies at Spring Hill College. Later, Bishop David Foley asked Deacon Phil and several dedicated members of the community to help organize a new parish in Birmingham, Alabama, known as St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Finding a second family within his parish, Deacon Phil dedicated much of his time to guiding and supporting the faith development of countless individuals. After his Diaconate Ordination in December 2018, he was appointed to St. Mark's as a deacon. Deacon Phil was deeply connected to the Mysteries of the Rosary, particularly the Sorrowful Mysteries, which inspired his dedication to caring for the suffering. He became board-certified in pastoral education, working as a chaplain and ministering at various hospitals throughout the Birmingham area. While serving in hospitals, he recognized the need for the "No One Dies Alone" program, ensuring that no person would spend their final moments without companionship.

Above all, Deacon Phil was a proud father to Elizabeth and Anneliese, whom he loved immensely. Despite the distance, his relationship with his daughters grew each year; he became their confidante and a reliable source of guidance and support. Many trips to New Orleans were filled with good food, drinks, and laughter. Visits to North Carolina to see his grandkids brought him immense joy. Deacon Phil loved being "Granddaddy" to Michaela, Andrew, and Siobhan, sharing many adventures with them while passing on his love for music, prayers, and good times.

Deacon Phil is survived by his daughters and their spouses: Elizabeth and Daniel Tichy, and Anneliese Boettcher and Blake Lagarde. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Michaela, Andrew, and Siobhan. Deacon Phil was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Mary Boettcher, and leaves behind his siblings, their spouses, godchildren, nieces, nephews, countless friends, and a congregation in mourning.

Arrangements for Deacon Phil will be held in Birmingham at his parish, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, at the following dates and times:

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Visitation - 5:00 PM

Vigil - 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM

Friday, April 11, 2025

Visitation - 9:00 AM

Funeral Mass - 10:00 AM (Inurnment in the St. Mark's Columbarium to immediately follow)

There will be an option to stream the funeral service for those who wish to attend but are unable to do so in person. You can access it by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@saintmarktheevangelist/streams or visit https://stmarkrc.org/ and clicking "Watch Live".

A lunch reception will follow in the Parish Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, his daughters kindly ask you to consider donating to one (or more) of the following:

Thomas Berry Place in Jamaica, New York (formerly known as the Bishop Molloy Retreat House) - https://passionistsspiritualplaces.org/thomas-berry-place/donate

St. Ignatius House in Atlanta, Georgia - https://ignatiushouse.org/donate/

St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama - https://www.stbernardabbey.com/donate-now