Philip (Phil) M. Panzer, 86, of Holmes, NY, passed away on March 3, 2024. He was a father of eight children and a grandfather of 16 grandchildren.
Phil was born on March 31, 1937, in Yonkers, NY to Francis and Margaret (Madden) Panzer. He loved growing up in Yonkers and knew every inch of the city. After graduating from Charles E. Gorton High School in 1955, Phil joined the United States Marine Corps. He served on the USS Coral Sea as part of the Marine security detachment and later served as an Infantryman in the 1st Marine Division. He completed his military service as a Corporal in 1958. Phil was very proud of the many generations of family members who served in the military, especially two of his grandsons who are currently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
After leaving the Marine Corps, he returned to Yonkers, the place where he had made lifelong friends and, most importantly, where he met his future wife, Mary Ann O’Leary. They were married in 1962 and began their life together on Morningside Avenue.
Phil worked for the Consolidated Edison Company (Con Ed) for 35 years. He often remarked to his children when they left all the lights on at home, “I work for the electric company. I don’t own it.” He retired from Con Ed in March of 2000.
After his retirement, he made his first trip to Ireland. His love of Ireland would lead him back countless times with family and friends. It spurred his interest in his lineage, and he devoted much of his time to building a comprehensive collection of his ancestors.
Phil led a modest life. He loved his family and the home where he raised his children. Phil was an avid reader and also enjoyed playing and watching golf. He also loved antiques and had a passion for restoring old brass lamps, taking them apart, rewiring them, and giving them a new life.
Phil will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and friend.
He was predeceased by his parents and his two siblings, Francis and Maurie and his beloved wife Mary Ann. He is survived by his eight children, John, Mary Joan, Christopher, Daniel, Philip, Elizabeth, Jennifer, and Justin, as well as his 16 grandchildren.
Interment will take place privately. Memorial donations may be made to: Danbury Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810 or the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.
Arrangements were under the direction of Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY.
