HANNIBAL, NY – Burton E. Phillips, 78, of Red Creek, passed away on Saturday August 23, 2014, at Upstate Medical University Hospital, Syracuse.
Burt was born on April 21, 1936, in Oxnard, Calif., a son to the late John M. and Carrie J. (Frederick) Phillips.
He graduated from Red Creek Central School in 1954 and then went to Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1958.
Burt taught elementary music at Hannibal Central Schools for 31 years.
He was the choir director at First United Church of Fulton for 39 years.
Burt enjoyed running, golfing, sailing, skiing, gardening and walking his dogs.
During the 2002 Winter Olympic Torch Relay, Burt carried the torch as it made its way through New York State.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet; one daughter, Kristen (Scott) Phillips Householder of Rochester; two step-grandchildren, Christopher and Zachary Householder; one brother, Frederick (Maureen) Phillips of Virginia; step-mother, Ruth Keeler of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Burt’s life will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at First United Church of Fulton, 33 S. Third St., Fulton, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fair Haven Ambulance or First United Church of Fulton’s organ fund in his memory.
Arrangements were entrusted to Foster Funeral Home, Hannibal.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
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Burt will be missed by so many he came into contact with at ARC of Oswego county!!! He was a wonderful man