HARTWICK – Donald Clinton Phillips, a life-long, beloved and revered resident of Hartwick, passed away Friday night, September 15, 2023, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. He was 100 years old.
Born December 4, 1922, he was delivered by his uncle, Dr. Barney Phillips, to his parents, Andrew D. and Thelma Tilley Phillips at their home on Scotch Hill in Hartwick.
Don graduated from the Hartwick High School with the Class of 1941. On October 16, 1946, he was inducted in the United States Army and proudly served his country with Company K 27th Infantry Regiment during the Occupation of Japan. He received his Honorable Discharge from the military on June 12, 1947, at Camp Stoneman in California.
Don returned to his hometown and on October 4, 1952, he married Ina Louise Foote.
For 24 years Don was employed at the Otsego Electric Co-Op, Inc., retiring in 1984. He then went to work for the Hartwick Cemetery Association, and cared for the cemetery grounds for 30 years, retiring in 2018.
In August of 1997, Don was honored at Hartwick Days as the Hartwick Citizen of the Year and was cited for over 40 years of community service.
Don was a 50-year member of the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1 and was a charter member of the Emergency Squad. He was also a former treasurer for Boy Scout Troop No. 72, was a member of the Hartwick American Legion Post No. 1567, the Hartwick Rod and Gun Club, and attended the Hartwick Christian Church.
He will be greatly missed by his family and the Hartwick Community.
Don is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ina; daughter, Donna Hotaling; grandson David S. Sellick and wife, Katie; great grandchildren, David A. and McKenna Sellick; nephews, Randy and wife Jen and Michael Phillips; sisters-in-law, Susena Hulbert and husband, Randy and Sara Jane Yager and husband, Rick; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his daughter Marsha Jean Phillips (November 6, 2008); son-in-law, Duane C. Hotaling (January 9, 2012); brother Stanley R. Phillips (February 9, 2005); sister-in-law, Audrey J. Phillips (March 30, 2006); nephew Daniel S. Phillips, Sr. (May 24, 2018); niece Louise M. McAdams (January 13, 2008); and grandniece, Kristen M. Phillips (September 19, 2005.)
Family and friends may call and pay their respects from 4-6 p.m. Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Hartwick Christian Church, 3083 County Highway 11, Hartwick.
A funeral service will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Hartwick Christian Church. The service of committal and burial with Military Honors will follow at Hartwick Cemetery. Immediately following the services at the cemetery, everyone is welcome to gather at the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1 fire hall for a reception.
In lieu of flowers, Don’s family would appreciate donations in his memory be made to the following: Hartwick Christian Church, PO Box 65, Hartwick, NY 13348; Hartwick Cemetery Association, PO Box 177, Hartwick, NY 13348, Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348; Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348. Envelopes will be available.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
