Philmore M. Schiff

SCHIFF, Philmore M. Died on January 3, 2011 in Northampton, MA at the age of 85 Born to Miles and Sara Schiff - and the youngest of 4 - he grew up in Adams, MA where he was affectionately known as Sonny. After serving in the Army in WWII he graduated from Syracuse University where he met his wife, Rosemary, with whom he had 3 children - Karen, Nancy and Ted -and settled in Freeport, NY. Shortly thereafter, he established Philmore M. Schiff Insurance & Associates which he owned for over 40 years acquiring several agencies along the way including one in Amherst, MA where he moved his family. In 2002, he retired to Florida where in just a few years he began showing signs of a progressive illness which resulted in returning to MA to be close to, and cared for, by his children. A lifelong Democrat - Phil was an avid Giants fan, wonderful tennis player and Seinfeld diehard. He loved theater, the Southwest, classical music, the color cobalt blue and chocolate marshmallow ice cream. He was meticulous, charming, sensitive and playful. In his 50's he took up the flute which he continued to enjoy until the end of his life. His grandchildren - Annie, Simon, Emily and Sara - along with his children and their spouses - Steven, Scott and Donna - gathered last week to honor and remember him in Amherst, MA where he was buried. A memorial service will be held sometime in June in the Boston area.