William Neil Phillips

William Neil Phillips, January 1, 1936 - July 21, 2024

If we were to ask Bill what he wanted us to write in his obituary, we are positive he would say, "I am a child of God.  I was a loving husband for 64 years to my wife Meg, a wonderful father to my two girls, Cathleen Phillips and Kelli Phillips and a fabulous "Poppy" to my three grandchildren, William Neil Phillips, Brandon Skinner and Brody Skinner".

Bill was born in Yonkers, NY to Percy Phillips and Susan Fuge.  He attended Sacred Heart High School where he enjoyed being a top athlete in basketball and track.  He worked as a caddy at the Hudson River Country Club in Yonkers.  He played basketball for Westchester Community College where he earned an associates degree in accounting.  He worked for the NY World Telegram & Sun in NYC for 7 years in sales.  In 1962 he began his 36 year career with State Farm Insurance where as a Manager he built a team of 22 men & women who were nationally recognized as the top agency team in the country.

During those years he held the position of President of the School Board in Northport, Long Island, NY and also was on St. Philip Neri Parish council.  He was a member and Sargent at Arms of the Northport Rotary Club for 20 years.

His last sports passion was golf at which, for a while, he held a scratch handicap and then carried a 2 to 6 handicap after retirement at age 62.  Bill shot his age 782 times, the first being at age 69!  During this time he was Club Champion twice and Senior Club Champion twice.  He adored living at Fiddlesticks CC for 27 years and was avid about it continuing to be "paradise" for all its members and for the new young people who were just about to begin their Fiddlesticks journey.  His ability to lead, sense of humor, ready smile and generosity were his greatest attributes.

He was the love of our lives and we know he is happy in Heaven with God.  He is enjoying a round of golf with his golf buddies from Fiddlesticks who have gone before him and we ask God to bless them all!