Chester W. Phillips

TROY- Chester W. "Chet" Phillips, 90, of Troy, Pa, passed on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at Sylvan Ridge Personal Care Home. He was born on December 17, 1918 in Jamestown, NY, son of the late Leon and Hazel (Glidden) Phillips. He graduated from Lakewood High School where he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and track. He graduated from Ithaca College and starred on the football team there. He came to Troy in 1942 and taught Physical Education and Drivers Training for 38 years. After retiring he was recognized by the state of Pennsylvania as the teacher who taught the most students to drive in the state, he taught over 3000. He started the football program at Troy High School and was the Head Coach, and also coached basketball and track. He helped start little league baseball, peewee midget Basketball, and gave swimming lessons at Berry's Pool in Gillett. He was also instrumental in the building of the Troy Community Pool in 1957. In 1945 he married Blanche Anderson and they had 49 wonderful years together until her death in 1994. He enjoyed his grandchildren, his vegetable garden, and watching sports on TV. Chet is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Doug and Joan Phillips of Troy, his grandson Jeff Phillips and wife Mandy of Edgewater Florida, granddaughter and husband Jennifer and Thomas Taylor, Jr. of Troy, and great grandchildren Jackson and Sydney Taylor. Chet is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Blanche in 1994, and his son Thomas Phillips in 1946. The family has planned for a memorial service to honor Chet's life at a later date. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 110 West Main Street Troy, PA has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Contributions may be made in Chet's memory to the Trojan Booster Club c/o Doug Phillips 476 Elmira Street Troy, PA 16947 or the Troy Little League Association c/o Jerry Ross P.O. Box 101 Troy, PA 16947.