Saratoga Springs, NY - John Peter Phillips, of Farmington Ave., passed away Thursday evening (July 3, 2008) at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, MA, surrounded by his loving family. On May 19, 2008, he underwent successful bone marrow transplant, donated by his sister Carol, at the Dana Farber Cancer Center. He was 55. Born on June 19, 1953 in Saratoga Springs, NY, he was a son of the late William A. and Marion R. (Tompkins) Phillips. A 1971 graduate of the former St. Peters Academy on Broadway, he had participated in J.V. and varsity basketball and football. Pete was also a 1973 graduate of Delhi Community College. He worked at Skidmore College and formerly served as manager at the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club and Queensbury Country Club. He was also employed as a claims adjuster for the National Grange Mutual Insurance Company from 1979 to 1991. Pete was always content to enjoy the great outdoors, clear night skies and the beauty of his home flower gardens each year. He was a disgruntled snow shoveler. A member of Saratoga Springs I.A.T.S.E. Local 592, he worked as a stagehand at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, operating the spotlight during many major performances, including the Jazz Festival, New York City Ballet and other razzle-dazzle events. He also worked for NYSTI and numerous entertainment venues in the Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Glens Falls area. On behalf of his union brothers and sisters, he was proud each Christmas season to assist in purchasing gifts and items for area needy families during the holidays. An enthusiastic fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants, he was especially gratified that the Giants won another Super Bowl in this particular year of his life. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one brother, William F. Phillips, who passed away on April 15, 1995. Survivors include his children and their spouses, Cassandra (Robert) Kanthak of Poughkeepsie, Danielle (William) Martino of Hyde Park and Graig (Anita) Phillips of Columbia, PA; his companion, caregiver and best friend, Dorene (Massey) Couch and her son, Matthew Couch, both of Saratoga Springs; five grandchildren, Brittany and Briana Kanthak, Lexi, Alex and Will Phillips; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Lynn and John P. Cimon of Valatie, NY and Carol and Paul Magrath of Melvin Village, NH; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and Michele Phillips of Saratoga Springs and Michael and Maureen Phillips of Wilton; his former wife with whom he remained friends, Debra (Martin) Phillips of Poughkeepsie; two aunts, Mary Phillips Murray and Patsy A. Tompkins, both of Saratoga Springs; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Relatives and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8pm Monday at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Tuesday (July 8, 2008) at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, by the Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor, Rev. Michael G. Cambi, associate pastor and Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia. Interment will follow in the family plot at St. Peters Cemetery, West Avenue. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Knights of Columbus Home, 50 Pine Road at Washington Street, following committal services. Memorials may be made in Peters name to Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, 142 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.