William Philip (“Phil”) Christy, Jr., 96, passed on to the afterlife on August 5, 2015. He was born in Old Forge, NY, on July 28, 1919 (also his son Bill’s and grandson Will’s birthday) and lived there until his family moved to the Syracuse area in 1937.
He graduated from Liverpool High School in 1937, from Syracuse University in 1943 and from Syracuse University College of Law in 1952.
He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1947.
Phil practiced law for over fifty years, both with his brother, Walter, as the firm of “Christy and Christy,” and individually, specializing in tax, corporate and estate law.
He especially enjoyed giving free legal advice to those in need, and representing the “Davids” versus the “Goliaths” (and when Phil did so, as in the Holy Bible, “David” usually won.)
Phil and Margaret (“Maggie”) Wackerle fell in love in the spring of 1937.
On September 1, 1940, the couple eloped to Vermont to be married secretly. On April 26, 1941, they married again in the Presbyterian Church in Liverpool, NY.
When Maggie converted to Catholicism in 1948, the couple received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Phil cherished his wife more than life itself and never wished to be separated from her.
Although he resided in Syracuse for over seventy years, Phil was a self-proclaimed “Adirondack Bark Peeler” who never forgot his roots: Old Forge and Raquette Lake, NY were always where he called home.
He was an excellent golfer, an avid fly fisherman and hunter, and one of the original caddies at Thendara Golf Club, as well as one of its longest-standing members for many years.
Phil was a communicant of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Old Forge, NY.
Phil’s family and friends can attest that he had a brilliant mind and a quick wit, and that he always enjoyed a good “debate,” especially about politics.
He was always ready (often, when not even asked) to sing one of the innumerable songs in his repertoire in his pure, “Irish tenor” voice, to do a few dance steps, or to quote the last line from James Fenimore Cooper’s The Deerslayer.
He was ever faithful to the Lord and to his beloved wife, and was a devoted father and grandfather.
Those who knew him well can further attest that Phil was a man of great character, who was also … quite a character.
Phil is survived by his wife of 74 years, Maggie; his children, Karen (Robert) Kottmeier of Parker, CO, Daniel (Debra) Christy of Cazenovia, NY; Joan Christy (Thomas Bersani) of Skaneateles, NY and Nancy Christy of East Syracuse, NY; two brothers, Walter of Canton, NY and James of Jamesville, NY; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Phil was predeceased by his sons, Thomas and William, grandsons Daniel Christy and Michael Mason, three brothers and four sisters, his beloved Bluetick Coonhound, “Spot,” and numerous, much-loved cats.
Although all of his loved ones will miss him terribly, they are comforted that he is now reunited with all of his family and friends who predeceased him.
Calling hours will be held at the Dimbleby Funeral Home, Fern Ave., Old Forge, NY on Thursday, August 13, from 4-7 p.m.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Old Forge, NY on Friday, August 14, at 1 p.m.
Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Old Forge, NY, following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Old Forge Fire Department, P.O. Box 1170, Old Forge, NY 13420, the Raquette Lake Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 21, Raquette Lake, NY 13436 or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.
