Gary E. Phillips

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Gary E. Phillips, age 68, of Mc Koons Road passed away peacefully on Friday August 18, 2023 in Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.

Gary was born on April 29, 1955 in Herkimer, a son to the late Leslie V. and Kathleen Baylor Phillips, Sr. He was raised and educated in the Mohawk Valley attending West Canada Valley School and later Herkimer High School where he had graduated. A tool maker by trade for many years he worked for Haynes Tool and Dye in Mohawk, later for Remington Arms where he retired in 2018. On April 5, 2000, he married the former Elizabeth Jean VanCourt in Little Falls, a blessed union of twenty three years.

He enjoyed the outdoors, he loved hunting, fishing, hiking and snow shoeing. Gary enjoyed collecting antiques, especially lanterns, and in his spare time he liked to repair small engines. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten.

Besides his loving wife Elizabeth (Betty Jean) he is survived by a son Andy Phillips of Utica, a daughter Candance Springer and her husband Steve Scott of California, two stepsons; Eric Moyer of Ephrata and Jasper Moyer of Herkimer, two brothers; Leslie V. Philips, Jr. and his wife Jodi of Ilion, Timothy J. Phillips of Oregon, a brother in law Tom Rich of FL, a brother in law Jesse VanCourt of Jordanville, a sister in law Beverly Holdridge of Little Falls, 4 sisters; Dawn Deyle of Ilion, Cindy McCaffrey and her husband Kevin of Pennsylvania, Sandy Rush and her husband Tom of Florida, Kathleen Lynch and her husband Jim of Ballston Spa, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Last to mention all of his many special friends who he cherished over the years.

He was preceded in a death by a sister Patti Rich,a brother-in-law Bill Deyle and brother Keith Alan.

A graveside service for Mr. Phillips will take place on Saturday October 14, 2023, at 1:00pm in Lakeview Cemetery, 145 Cemetery Road, Richfield Springs.

Funeral arrangements are with the J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs.