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Dilan James Phillips
Dilan James Phillips
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Dilan Phillips Obituary
He was born on April 5, 1992 in Goshen, N.Y.
He was a ninth grader at Wallenpaupack high School where he was to enter the culinary arts program on his way to becoming a famous chef and open his own restaurant, Dilly's Grill.
He was a member of the wrestling and basketball teams until he was forced to retire from the sports he loved to play due to a life-threatening illness.
He was born with a very rare affliction Dyskeratosis Congenita that ultimately led to bone marrow failure and a bone marrow transplant. He bravely endured nine months of post-transplant with many painful and life-threatening setbacks before succumbing to fungal pneumonia.
He is survived by his parents and step-parents, David Phillips and Rose Galeano-Phillips and Lisa Cleveland and Chemo Aguilar; four brothers, Derek Phillips, Damion Phillips, Cisco Aguilar and Cody Aguilar; two sisters, Rebeka Galeano and Rakel Galeano; maternal grandparents, Gary and Mary Cleveland of New York; maternal great-grandmother, Ruth Cleveland; aunts and uncles, Don and Kathy Phillips pf Pennsylvania, Diane and Raymond Zelaska of New York and David Cleveland of New York; cousins, Brandon Phillips, Michelle Conder, Nick Zelaska, Tanya Zelaska and Alicia Zelaska; several stepgrandparents, stepaunts, stepuncles, stepcousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Donald and Mary Phillips; his maternal great-grandmother, Mary Shores; and a cousin, Pat Abrams.
He loved sports and everything there was to know about sports. He had a very strong and quiet personality. He was very greatly loved and will be missed by all.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Stroyan Funeral Home Inc., 405 W. Harford St., Milford, PA 18337. The family requests casual attire. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, at the funeral home with the Rev. Gerald Hawley officiating. Burial will take place in Milford Cemetery in Dingman Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the "Dilan Phillips DC Fund" and mailed to PNC Bank, 240 Main Ave., Hawley, PA 18428.
405 W. Harford St.
This obituary was originally published in the Pocono Record.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 26, 2019
Dilan the days and years pass...gets harder and harder. Miss and luv u so much.
Dave Phillips
September 16, 2017
We think of you often and wonder of what could have been. You were wise beyond your years and feel your presence in little things you do. Miss you buddy.
Love Daddy
Catie
September 12, 2017
I think about you often and miss you more as time goes on. I think about who you were, who you would have become. It makes me ache. I wish I could see you. Be near you. I wish I knew more about you, what I do know I loved. I know you are still around...watching over the ones you love. I use to feel your energy around this time, I haven't in a few years. I know one day I will see you again. You will always have a place in my heart.
I went to a 9-11 service yesterday, they played Wake me up when September ends and I cried so hard because it reminds me of you.
You have a beautiful soul.
Wind beneath my wings
Dave Phillips
April 5, 2012
Happy 20th Birthday Dilan. We miss you.
Love Daddy
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Daddy
September 16, 2011
5 years have gone by but you live on in all of us.
Miss U buddy
Bill Leibold
March 7, 2011
Dear Dave and Phillips Family:
Just last week i found out about Dilan.I was overcome with emotion.I hadnt seen Dilan since he was very little.I cannott say the right things to easy any pain.It's my Honor and priviledge to have know Dilan(even if it was a while ago)..I know that All of us will someday be together forever!
P.S.-Dilan i too Love The Mets! :)
David Phillips
September 16, 2010
Four years ago we lost you Dilan but you continue to live on in our hearts. We love you and thank you for being a part of our lives.
September 16, 2010
It's hard to believe 4 years has passed. We talk about you everyday almost as if it were yesterday. You'll never be forgotten. We miss you.
June 17, 2010
Tomorrow, June 18, 2010, Dilan would have graduated High School - exactly 25 years to the day that I graduated (ironic, isn't it?). It is bittersweet watching your old classmates beginning the rest of their lives. Yet, I can see you through them and it comforts me knowing that you are watching over all of us. Miss you buddy and....Happy Graduation...you earned it.
Love,
Daddy
April 5, 2010
Happy Birthday Dilan
April 5, 2010
Happy 18th Birthday Dilan.If only we could all be together celebrating your big day.We will forever hold you close in our hearts.Always thinking of you,and all the what ifs.We love you,Happy Birthday. Aunt Kathy, Uncle Don Brandon & Michelle
David Phillips
April 4, 2010
Happy Easter Dilan. Thinking about you as I played basketball with Damion and watched the Final Four last night. We just watched Up and made me think of my parents and you - the adventures that we could have had. Tomorrow you would have turned 18! Happy Birthday buddy!!! The family asked if we could celebrate you today by making chicken parm for dinner. We all miss you. Watch over us and know that you are forever in our thoughts and will live forever in our hearts.
David Phillips
December 25, 2009
Thinking of you now and always. Miss you buddy. Merry Christmas.
December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas, Dilan. We all miss you very much.
November 2, 2009
Miss You....
September 17, 2009
Another year has went by.We love you and miss you Dilan. Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle & Brandon
Dad
September 16, 2009
Miss you buddy. Damion loves to fish like you and we all miss you more each day. We live on so that you can live on in all of us. The DCOutreach is getting started to raise funds for research and help families effected with Dyskeratosis Congenita. I love you buddy.
September 16, 2009
As always I'm thinking of you Dilan and remembering you in my prayers.
Sean
April 28, 2009
Sorry a little late Happy 17th Dilan Miss you alot
April 22, 2009
love you
April 5, 2009
Happy 17th Birthday Dilan. Miss you buddy.
March 30, 2009
Just stopping by to say hi and let you know that I am thinking of you. God Bless!
February 25, 2009
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
December 12, 2008
Missing you as always.
sean vutianitis
September 18, 2008
hey dilan its sean just wanted to let u no i miss u alot and imm thinking of you wish u where her love u man
September 16, 2008
Missing you today and everyday. I'll always love you.
Kathy
September 16, 2008
Dilan 2 years have gone by,still miss you just as much.You are always in our thoughts and hearts. We love you Buddy Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle & Brandon
September 16, 2008
thinking about you today and everyday we miss you!
Dave Phillips
September 16, 2008
Miss you buddy. May you live on in all of us and inspire us to be as strong and brave as you are. It has been so long and yet many parts of life are still at a stand still. Love you buddy.
September 15, 2008
As always.....missing you!
July 27, 2008
Missing your Dilan. Thinking of you today and wishing you were here to share it with us.
Dave Phillips
July 3, 2008
Dilan,
Happy 4th of July. You were always my fire bug with tending the fire and loved to watch fireworks. Your face would light up and you would get that smile on your face. A lot of time has passed but it seems like yesterday and the wounds have yet to begin healing. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you or someone tells a story about you or says "that reminds me of Dilan". Enjoy all the firework shows from the best seat in the house and know we are all thinking of you.
Luv U buddy,
Daddy
June 14, 2008
Warm Summer Sun
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation
May 26, 2008
TODAY IS MEMORIAL DAY, THINKING OF ALL THE MEMORIES WE HAD AND ALL THE MEMORIES WE SHOULD OF HAD.....MISSING YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS!
April 6, 2008
Happy 16th birthday Dilan- you are missed and loved
April 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Dilan!
April 5, 2008
Happy Birthday!
April 5, 2008
Happy Sweet 16th Dilan. We all miss you very much.
April 5, 2008
Dilan Happy "16th" Birthday!! Wish we could say that to you face to face, but instead we'll say it heart to heart! We miss and love you everyday Buddy. Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle & Brandon.
Dad
April 4, 2008
Happy Birthday Dilan. You would have been 16. Damion is getting very savy with the electronics and reminds us of you. You live in our hearts and thoughts. Miss U buddy.
March 24, 2008
Happy Happy Easter Dilan!! We love & Miss you. Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle & Brandon
March 23, 2008
HAPPY EASTER DILAN!!
March 2, 2008
HI DILAN, JUST LETIING YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE THOUGHT OF EVERY MINUTE OF EVERYDAY, WE ALL MISS YOU SO MUCH! OUR LOVE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU!
February 14, 2008
Hi Dilan. Happy Valentines Day! We love you and miss you. Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle & Brandon
Aunt Kathy
December 31, 2007
Happy New Year Dilan.The start of another year without you.We love you always,miss you,Love Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle and Brandon
December 31, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR DILAN.......
December 26, 2007
Merry Christmas and a safe New Year to all
Aunt Kathy
December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas Dilan!We all miss you so much.Love you Buddy, Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle & Brandon
December 24, 2007
WELL DILAN ITS ANOTHER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT U HERE, MISS U SO MUCH!! THINKING OF U ALWAYS!!
Aunt Kathy
December 20, 2007
Hi Dilan.Wanted to let you know how much we will be thinking of you over the Holidays,and how much we miss you.We will be leaving so I wanted to tell you Merry Christmas.Give Gr.&Grm Phillips a hug for us & Gr Bell too.We miss you all so much!Love you Aunt Kathy
Paula Ellis
December 18, 2007
Dilon, I just wanted to email you and see if you were still cooking. I know you are up there in heaven and everyone is getting something good to eat from the great chef in heaven.
You take care and Merry Xmas
Paula
December 7, 2007
JUST SITTING HERE WATCHING THE SNOW FALL AND REALIZING HOW MUCH I MISS YOU!!
November 22, 2007
Happy Turkey Day Dilan!We miss you soooo much.We love you Aunt Kathy Uncle Don & Brandon
November 22, 2007
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DILAN.....IM SOOOOOOO THANKFUL I HAD U IN MY LIFE..I MISS U!
November 16, 2007
Thinking of u and missing u more with each passing day!!
October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!!! ....BOO...
Miss U Buddy.
Dad
October 21, 2007
I just wanted to let everyone know that Dilan's head stone is in and will be placed Monday or Tuesday. The family welcmes you to visit under your own terms and hopes that the stone will inspire memories of Dilan and inspire others that may have not had the opportunity to meet Dilan. Throughout his life Dilan has reached out to protect and comfort those he loved but even more impressively to those that needed it. He reached out to several people that he met in the hospital and in the "isolation" home. He listened and shared and gave them strength to "go on" for he had been through so much and the odds were stacked against him but all he could talk about was getting better and growing up to be a chef, getting married and creating his family. So go visit Dilan and borrow some of his strength and HOPE and make your dreams come true. We all love you Dilan.
October 18, 2007
IT FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT U LEFT US...BUT FEELS LIKE A LIFETIME SINCE IVE SEEN U...I MISS U SOOO MUCH!!
October 14, 2007
Dilan,Just wanted to say hello and to let you know I think of you quite often everyday.I love and miss you buddy,Aunt Kathy
Dianne Zelaska
September 25, 2007
Dilan,
How could it possibly be a year already, but missing you it seems like forever since we saw you!! We are missing you and think of you often. You are so strong and loving!!!
Love,
Aunt Dianne and family
September 18, 2007
thinking about you a lot this week we miss you buddy
September 17, 2007
Its been a year since you left us Dilan. We miss you so much and remember all the happy moments with you. God Bless!
September 16, 2007
Thinking of you today Dilan. Its been a year since you left us and we miss you more each day. Love You!
Kathy Phillips
September 16, 2007
Hi Dilan!Can't believe a year has gone by.Although it seems like forever since we saw you last.We miss you Buddy!Not a day goes by that we don't think of you.Brandon and I were sharing some memories of you last night with Myles,Kevin & Eric.Memories that also included Derek!!(He misses you so much)Miss & Love you so very much Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Brandon & Michelle
Daddy
September 15, 2007
In loving memory of my beloved son. It was september 16, 2006 at 12:37 that we lost you but the memory remains. I ask that we all take a moment of silence to reflect on Dilan's life and how he touched each and every one of us. He has been described as the strong silent one, one in a million and courageous. He is all that but I will remember him as the protector. He would always put himself at risk to protect the ones he loved. I believe that he journeyed down that terrible road in hopes that what was learned would somehow help his brothers survive that horrible disease.
The head stone will not be in because it developed a crack when they were sand blasting it. It will not be in for several weeks. Thank you for your support.
Dad
August 23, 2007
Miss u Buddy. Your headstone should be in place within the next 2 weeks. We hope that it will do you right and help inspire people from those who knew and loved you to complete strangers. It is hard to properly represent and pay tribute to such a courageous young man as yourself that had such an impact on so many. You led by example with your strength and bravery and showed us all "just what courage is". May you live on in all of us and be our eternal protector. Your passing is something that we will never "get over", it is something that we have to live with until we meet again. As we near a year without you, your strong quiet presence is with us guiding us trogh the challenges in life. Your Mets are looking great and eventhough we are not all Mets fans, I'm sure we are all pulling for them silently for you. I will let you all know when Dilan's headstone is in place so we can all pay tribute to him in our own way.
Luv U Buddy
July 28, 2007
Dilan I sure do miss you.
July 5, 2007
We all miss you very much!
June 30, 2007
Thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers. God Bless!
Daddy
June 16, 2007
Wow, 9 months. Derek and I went for a ride today for ~2 hours. We had fun and for a moment, all our worries faded away. We talked about you and how we would have loved to have you on the trail with us. But then we realized that you were with us so we gave it just a little more gas "Just a little faster daddy?!". I saw your smile and your curly hair sticking out of the helmet. We miss you buddy. We can't bring you back but we can take you along for the ride. It was about 1 year ago that we went to the Harley Davidson plant in York. You had so much fun and you tried to hide the pain of lifting your leg up over the bike seat. Now we can only hope that you have a life free of pain and free of that horrible disease. See you on the trail.
Kathy Phillips
May 18, 2007
Dilan, Derek gave me your present that you picked out for me before you went away.A solar guardian angel.I love it.I will probably put it on the deck,right outside our doors.When I'm sitting there at nite,I will look at it and think of you. I will treasure it always.Thank you sweetie,Love and miss you Aunt Kathy
Dave Phillips
May 16, 2007
Miss U buddy. Thinking of you today as I do every day. I think of the possibilities and could have been's but then I think of the successes and achievements that you had and overcome adversity. You had the third best record on a wrestling team that went on to win sectionals all with blood counts that would have landed me in the hospital. I am so proud of you and the lessons that you taught us. "Our Protector". Your courage and insight belied your years. Luv U buddy.
April 19, 2007
Thinking of you and missing you!
April 8, 2007
HAPPY EASTER DILAN!!
K philips
April 8, 2007
Happy Easter Dilan! Love and miss you Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Brandon & Michelle
Dianne M. Zelaska
April 5, 2007
Dilan,
Happy 15th Birthday buddy! We think of you daily and are always missing you!! Today we think of you and miss you even more! If there is a positive side you would have found it and I guess I would have to say you are free now!
Love Always,
Aunt Dianne, Uncle Ray, Nick, Tanya and Alicia
K Phillips
April 5, 2007
Happy 15th Birthday Dilan We are thinking extra special thoughts of you today.Celebrating your birthday with you in our minds and hearts.You will be forever young. We love you and miss you Dilan.Aunt Kathy Uncle Don Michelle & Brandon
April 4, 2007
DILAN.
I AM WISHING YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY. PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYS. GOD BLESS YOU.
Daddy
April 2, 2007
Dilan, You would have turned 15 on Thursday. We have decided to 'celebrate' your birthday - your life. I believe your purpose in life was to inspire people to work through the difficult times, be brave and strong and make the most of your life. Many people have shared stories of how your journey has inspired them to change and live their life. You are always the protector. You wil always be in our thoughts and prayers in the good times and they will help us through the bad times. Happy Birthday Dilan...we miss you buddy.
Kelly Chirico
March 28, 2007
Dilan- Sean turned 15 on the 25th and was thinking of the b-days you both spent together yours is coming up. You are dearly missed.
Kelly
damion
March 26, 2007
Damion says he misses you and wishes you could come home.
March 26, 2007
Your birthday is just around the corner!!! It's also opening day of baseball. As you Damion has a pilfered few of your things...like the drum stick. He's not using it for music that's for sure..it is whatever his imagination wants it to be as he zooms it through the air. We all miss you very much and wish you were still with us. Love ya!
March 18, 2007
Missing you!!!
Kahy
March 17, 2007
Happy St. Patricks Day Dilan
March 17, 2007
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY DILAN
K Phillips
March 15, 2007
Dilan, We are still thinking of you and missing you every single day.We went past Hershey the other day and we're thinking about the trips we made together.Wish we could have them again.Miss you buddy Aunt Kathy Uncle Don & Brandon
March 3, 2007
Thinking of you Dilan.
Dave Phillips
February 16, 2007
Dilan,
It's hard to believe that it has been 5 months sice we lost you. We miss you buddy. Damion is addicted to the "ATV offroad fury 2" and the kids are trying to match the bar that you set on that game. You may have left this Earth but you are living on in our memories. There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn't say "Dilan would like that". Derek is becomming quite the "Chef", and is an excellent baker. He went on his first job interview and got the job at a higher level than he interviewed for. I'll see you in my dreams and you are always in my prayers.
Luv ya,
Daddy
February 14, 2007
Dilan,
Happy Valentine's day!
You are missed!
February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day! We all miss you.
February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day Dilan!
February 14, 2007
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY DILAN...U R LOVED AND MISSED SO VERY MUCH!!!
January 31, 2007
Dilan I miss you alot. As sad as I am I am happy that you no longer have to suffer. With love always.
Shawn
January 11, 2007
Dilan, God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered "come to me", with tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away, although we loved you dearly,we could not make you stay, a golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, god broke our hearts to prove to us, He ONLY takes the BEST.
Mona Schomas
January 4, 2007
Dilan,
Tomorrow marks the 6th anniversary of my Libby's death. She is 7 1/2 years old in heaven. It's because of her, that we ever met. You are a wonderful kid and very sadly missed.
Love and strength to you and your family.
Aunt Kathy
December 31, 2006
Dilan I hope you had a nice Christmas.Everyone misses you.Enjoy the New Year with Grandma & Grandpa,and start this year out pain free.We love you Buddy, Aunt Kathy & Uncle Don
Shawn
December 28, 2006
Dilan, Just wanted to say that you were missed especially through the holidays this year. I'm sure that grandma & grandpa Phillips made your christmas special this year as they always will. Nothing is more wonderful than the gift of love,even though you are in heaven you are loved by so many here and there. Bless you sweet child.Keep watch over your family, they need you more than ever.
December 26, 2006
Thinking of you Dilan, today, as everyday. God Bless!
Ewa
December 25, 2006
Dave, just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about Dilan, you and your family. I know it must be a very difficult time for you all. Wishing you peaceful Christmas. God bless.
December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas!!
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