Philip "Skippy" Marx

Schenectady - Mr. Philip “Skippy” Marx, age 72, of Schenectady, New York passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, following a long illness. He fought a courageous battle over the past three years and his fight in the face of adversity will always be a source of inspiration to his loved ones.

He was born on July 26, 1950, in Niskayuna, New York, the son of the late Harry F. and Lucy (Izzo) Marx. Philip graduated from Schalmont High School in 1968 and went on to serve in The United States Army in Fort Jackson, South Carolina as an MP.  Following his active duty he started his position with the Rotterdam Highway Department and spent 42 years serving his community before retiring.

Philip was passionate about food and loved to cook. He worked at the Office Restaurant in Schenectady as a chef and did private catering throughout his lifetime. He was well known for his clambakes and was a master at shucking clams. He loved to throw parties with friends and family, adored entertaining and showing off his culinary skills. He loved his jukebox and collecting 45’s. Of course he loved to pull out the dance moves to embarrass his children and we always believed that being voted “best dancer” in high school was a rigged election! He was a practical jokester, loved to tease (especially his sister in laws) and had a nickname for everyone he loved.

Dad had a green thumb with a meticulously landscaped yard and beautiful flowers. He was truly gifted with growing the most wonderful vegetables and was especially proud of his tomatoes.

An avid sports fan, Philip coached kids at both Rotterdam and Carman Little league. He played baseball, basketball and was involved with the Ski team while in high school.  He also loved the NY Yankees and enjoyed going to Yankee Stadium.

The holidays were very important to dad and he loved to decorate for them. There was  his infamous Halloween cemetery in our front yard every year, thousands of  lights and life size manger scene at Christmas and the blow up easter bunnies and plastic colored eggs in the trees. He loved to give gifts to his grandkids and always put glitter in Christmas cards and was a true kid at heart.

Skippy loved spending time in Lake George, Orlando, Las Vegas and his favorite restaurant Ferrari’s with his friends. He loved watching his grandchildren grow up and was an integral part of their lives.

He was passionate about politics and served as District 4 Conservative Party Chairman for many years. He was involved in many political fundraisers and charity events as well.

Philip is survived by his children: Carrie “Goat” (Carl) Baker, Dawn C. Lincoln, Phillip Scott (Gretchen) Marx, and Michelle (Mark) Augustsson; his grandchildren: Kai Philip, Azai & Nya, Ava, Jacob & Tyler, Mia & Tori; Brother James “Jimmy” Marx, Brother; Harry “Butchie” (Ginny) Marx, Sister; Maryann (Brian) Flouton, Sister; Edie (Rick) Kietlinski, Sister; Nancy (Rick) Rorick; Goddaughter Shelby Rorick and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents: Harry and Lucy (Izzo) Marx and sister; Barbara Marx; dearest friends Charlie, Tony and Mr & Mrs P.

Dad had such a presence, when he came into the room everyone knew he was there. He is greatly loved and deeply missed.

A period of visitation will take place at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam, NY 12306 on Wednesday, August 9th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.

To make a donation in Philip’s memory, please consider planting trees with A Living Tribute in our national forests and please vote for anyone BUT Donald Trump.