George Ernest Phillips, a lifelong area resident, died on March 16. He was 100.
Phillips was born on Sept. 13, 1925, in Poughkeepsie, the son of Royal and Elizabeth (Piltz) Phillips. He was a graduate of Amenia High School and attended Cornell University.
He married Frances Anna “Anne” Sprossel on Feb. 3, 1953, in Cornwall Bridge, Conn. She died in 2024.
Phillips served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 in the 87th Infantry Division, known as the “Golden Acorn” division, under Gen. George S. Patton, where he was platoon messenger and platoon sergeant. On Veterans Day in 2019 he was one of 108 veterans nationally that received a pin and certificate in recognition of 75 years of continuous service to his local legion post, the Millerton American Legion Post 178. Mr. Phillips also documented his experiences in a book, “Stories of My Life,” which he presented to the Amenia Historical Society.
The Phillips family owned and operated the Edgewood Restaurant in Amenia; he was also a real estate broker for many years.
Phillips is survived by two daughters: Diane Phillips of Wakefield, R.I, and Debra Phillips of Pine Plains; four grandchildren: David (Amber) Fletcher, Peter (Megan) Faggella, Daniel Faggella, and Shannon (Frank) Fierro; five great grandchildren, Dominic and Leah Fletcher, Charlotte and Joseph Fierro, and Hannah Faggella, and several nieces and nephews. Three of his brothers died before him: Royal Phillips, Webster Phillips and Chester Phillips.
Calling hours will be from noon to 1 p.m. on March 27 at Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Ave., Millerton. The Millerton Legion Post 178 will conduct a service at 1 p.m. The United States Army will conduct Standard Military Honors at 1:15 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.