Franklin J Phillips Sr

Franklin J. Phillips, Sr., 94, passed away on January 20, 2021 after a long illness. Born in Schenectady on November 22, 1926, he was the son of the late Franklin Phillips and Dorothy Schmitz Phillips. Frank graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he was stationed in the Pacific and Japan at the end of WWII (1945-1946). After being honorably discharged, Frank was drafted by the New York Giants baseball team and reported to their training camp in Florida in 1947. After a bout with Diphtheria ended his hopes of a career in professional baseball, but not his love of the game, he continued to play on numerous local recreational baseball and softball teams well into his 70’s, playing for the YMCA, GE Crow Club, Kens, GEAA, Twilight League, Country Inn and the Old Timers. He also played basketball for numerous organizations and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed camping and fishing, especially at Meacham Lake in the Adirondacks. He was employed by GE as a supervisor in the Instrument Department for 40 years, retiring in 1988. Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Della, his daughter, Kathleen Milano (Philip), sons; Franklin J. Phillips Jr. (Patty), and Daniel Phillips (Stephanie), grandchildren; Sara Benson (Matthew), Luke Milano (Corrine Coughlin), Matthew Milano, Emma Cline-Phillips, Walker Phillips and Sadie Phillips, great-grandchildren; Caelyn and Liam Benson, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the very special people (you know who you are) who took such good care of Frank during these last 6 months. Due to Covid-19, a private funeral Mass will take place at St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland. Burial will take place at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd., Schenectady, NY 12303, or the Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.