Edmund J. Phillips

1935 - 2026

Edmund J. Phillips

February 23, 1935 - February 14, 2026

SALEM, NY - Edmund J. Phillips, 90, of Salem passed Saturday evening, February 14, 2026 with his family by his side.

Edmund was born February 23, 1935 in Cambridge, NY and was the son of the late Edmund D. and Elbertine (Clark) Phillips. He graduated from Salem Washington Academy in 1952 and then received an appointment to West Point and had been recruited by his beloved Red Sox, both of which he declined due to family responsibilities.

Eddie was an outstanding athlete in high school playing on the Salem Washington Academy championship 6 man football team in 1952 until a broken leg ended his season with two games to go. Ed also excelled at basketball and baseball, which he loved most of all. He later played baseball on "town teams" for several years after graduating, in those days the local team often drew 400 – 500 plus fans to cheer them on.

Ed was an unshakeable, lifelong Red Sox fan.

Ed loved his family above all else and was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Ed worked most of his career for Rich Electric / Town and Country Hardware Stores in Cambridge, NY, later for Alexander's True Value Hardware.

Ed and his wife Gail hosted many Rotary exchange students throughout the years, sharing their ample love and generosity with students from around the world most of whom he kept in contact with to this day.

For more than 60 years Ed and Gail hosted 4th of July get togethers at their home on Main Street; next to Christmas this was most definitely their favorite holiday of the year. Many years this get together would have more than 150 family, friends, friends of family and friends, their friends and occasionally strangers who wandered in off the street. All were welcome nonetheless, always.

In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Gail (Sheffield) Phillips in 2018 and a brother, James (Joan) Phillips.

Ed is survived by his son, Michael (Eileen Laverty) Phillips of Salem, NY and a daughter, Megon (James(deceased)) Aesch of Cambridge, NY. Ed also leaves behind his brother, John (Jack) (Patricia) Phillips; his cherished grandchildren, Emma Phillips of Fountain Grove, CA. and Sean (Julie) Phillips of Shrewsbury, VT.; 5 Great Grandchildren, Jaxson, Hannah, Graham, Adalyn and Hayden; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m Saturday March 7, 2026 at Holy Cross Church, 249 Main St., Salem, NY. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway, Salem, NY.

A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the services, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Salem, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 449 Salem, NY 12865 or the Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360 Salem, NY 12865.

To express sympathy or share a memory of Ed, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com.