Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Phil Sr. lived life to the largest. I grew up in the house next to the Clancy's, Phil Jr. and I were the closest of friends - he was the best man at my wedding, Tommy, Kevin and Mary Ellen, as well as Phil's wife Eileen, were a constant presence in all of my formative years, and a constant and very happy touchstone in the years since I left Rye.
Phil was so happy, so Irish, always had frosted mugs for beer sitting in the freezer. Constantly had music playing in the backyard in the summers. The car was always parked backwards in the driveway in case there was a fire and he needed to get out quickly with the transistor radio strapped to the big battery pack - he was so dedicated to the Rye FD. Incredible singer, both at the high mass at resurrections, St, Paddy's day and any other neighborhood get together. Former navy, avid boatsman - I was super impressed when he bought the former wooden police boat docked in Rye harbor - that was so cool at the time.
He was very proud to be a first generation Irish American - when i was like 7 years old at a St. Paddy's day party, with all of his Irish gayety on display, I remember asking him if he thought I was Irish and he looked at me with his little wink and said that is not even a question, why do you think we moved next to you,
So, so many fond memories - I will miss him dearly along with Eileen and Kevin.
Such a great neighborhood, Brookdale Place. So many people have passed: the Burgess's/McDonald's, the Kelly's the Shea's, Checco's and so many other families- I would love to steal some of that time back again.
Here is to you Phil! - you left a large footprint - thank you for all of the great times!
Paul.
