Cilwick, Philip P.

CILWICK, PHILIP P.


ALBANY- Philip Peter Cilwick, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully into the Lord’s hands, Thursday, December 17, 2009 at the Hospice Inn in St. Peter’s Hospital. Phil was born on August 25, 1920 in the Bronx, NY, son of the late Ben and Emilia Cilwick. He was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army, Fourth Armored Division in the European Theatre. Phil was awarded two Purple Heart Medals, a Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Rosalie (Zappone) Cilwick and together they raised their family on Besch Ave. in Albany. Phil worked for the Knickerbocker News and Times Union as a pressman for 35 years and was also vice president of the Pressman’s Union. He retired in 1982 and was blessed with 27 glorious years of retirement. His days were filled with traveling, hunting, fishing, reading, dry martinis and most importantly spending time with his family. "It's a wonderful life”. Phil was a Communicant of St. James Church.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, Phil is survived by his devoted children; Lynn MacGowan of Hudson, Theodore (Kristen) Cilwick of Collinston, UT, Stephen (Kerry) Cilwick of Jupiter, FL, Lisa (Robert) LeBlanc of Schodack, and Philip (Jeannie) Cilwick of Emigrant, MT; his cherished grandchildren Charles and Rosalie MacGowan, Benjamin and Colleen Cilwick, Amelia, Peter and Julie LeBlanc and Blake and Alana Cilwick; great-grandchild Chloe Mahar; his loving brother, Rev. Theodore Cilwick of Charleston, SC; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Rev. Francis Cilwick formerly of NYC.

Phil’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, ICU and 4 Gabriel for their kindness and gentle care.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 9:15 am from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc. 490 Delaware Ave. thence to St. James Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the funeral home Monday, December 21, 2009 from 4-8 pm. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

For those wishing to remember Phil in a special way, the family suggests memorial contributions to Capital City Rescue Mission,259 S. Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202.