PHILIP GERARD DIFFLEY

Philip Gerard Diffley, loving husband and devoted father passed away peacefully on January 25, 2008 at his home in New City after a long and courageous battle with ALS. Phil was born on July 7, 1961 and grew up in New City. Phil is survived by his wife, Eileen (Donoghue), their five children Philip, Sean, Kurt, Katilyn and LeeAnna. He will also be dearly missed by his parents Jim and Ann, siblings Jim and Sally Diffley, Kevin Diffley, Steve and Marie Diffley, Terry and Constance Diffley, Mary Diffley, John and Marcia Diffley, and his in-law's Anne Donoghue, Kathy and Skip Gremli, Danny and Carolyn Donoghue, Marianne Donoghue and many loving nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and up and coming soccer stars that he has coached through the years. Phil worked as contractor specializing in home improvements and many families in Rockland have examples of his craftsmanship. He was an accomplished soccer player, winning soccer coach, skilled craftsman and proficient skier. For many years he coached a winning youth soccer team even through his illness when he had no physical or verbal capabilities. He graduated from Albertus Magnus High School in 1979 and SUNY Cortland in 1983. Phil's favorite sport was soccer and he starred on many top quality teams including the Clarkstown Sports Club, Rockland Rowdies, Cortland State, the Sportsfriends Soccer Club and New Jersey Stallions. He was known for his big brown eyes, charming smile, oft times booming voice and laughter that reflected the truly big spirit he had inside. His children would tell you, he was a great dad, a tremendous soccer player and super coach. He was the best! Family will receive friends on Monday 7-9 and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9pm at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at 11am at St. Anthony's Church in Nanuet, NY. MICHAEL J. HIGGINS FUNERAL HOME New City (845) 634-6110