Philip F. Kays Sr.

Philip Francis Kays Sr., 86, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed peacefully at home with loved ones near in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 18, 2023. He was the devoted husband of his true love and partner, Dorothy (Somogyi) Kays since June 11, 1960, and proud father of four.

Born January 27, 1937, in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was the 5th of 6 children of the late Ponsford and Claire (Tirrell) Kays.

Phil was a tireless hard-worker, dedicated and happy supporting his family and community. He deeply loved both his church, St. Philip & St. James Catholic Church, and gave richly of his time, talent, and treasure over his life; and the Phillipsburg community, to whom he gave the same. Phil contributed his electrical ability and company's time to projects improving the church lighting, repairing the school, and setting up an elaborate temporary installation for the annual carnival. He renovated a number of properties in town. Perhaps he is most proud of his renovation of the former Knights of Columbus building on S Main & McKeen.

Phil was known to many as 'always smiling!' and for carrying a sense of humor and joy with him to the post office, town hall, the bank, or wherever his electrical job of the day might land him. He instilled a similar can-do, pleasant public attitude in his children, in partnership with equally and inspiringly determined Dottie. His other accomplishments pale in the pride and love he had for his children and their families.

In his free time, Phil loved to cheer on the Boston Red Sox, Notre Dame Fightin' Irish, and Phillipsburg Stateliners. He attended every turkey day game since 1946, and thought dinner didn't taste as good when the Liners might lose. He was a founding member and sponsor of the SPSJ Old Timers Softball league, and loved to take an annual trip to the shore.

Phil was pre-deceased by his siblings, Jack Kays, Sr. Mary Eloise Claire Kays, Charles Kays, Eugene Kays, and Jane Louise (Kays) Daiello. He is survived by his wife and family: Anna Marie & Larry Skoog, and their children Steven and Kyle; Philip F. Kays Jr. and his children Lydia and Jacob; Matthew Kays and his children Matthew, Samuel, and Alexa; Patrick Kays & Janna Gay and their children Elliott and Frances.

Viewing hours will be held on Friday October 20th, 2023 at The Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg, NJ from 3:30 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday October 21, 2023 at 10 am at St. Philip and St. James Catholic Church, 430 S. Main St., Phillipsburg, NJ. Entombment will be in St. Mary Mausoleum in Alpha, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org