Burton E. Phillips

Obituary of Burton E. Phillips August 23, 2014 Burton E. Phillips, 78, of Red Creek, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Upstate Medical University Hospital. Burt was born on April 21, 1936 in Oxnard, CA, a son to the late John M. and Carrie J. (Frederick) Phillips. He graduated from Red Creek Central School in 1954 and then went to Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam where he later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1958. Burt taught elementary music at Hannibal Central Schools for 31 years. He was the choir director at First United Church of Fulton for 39 years. Burt enjoyed running, golfing, sailing, skiing, gardening and walking his dogs. During the 2002 Winter Olympic Torch Relay, Burt carried the torch as it made its way through New York State. He is survived by his wife Janet of 51 years; one daughter, Kristen (Scott) Phillips Householder of Rochester; two step grandchildren, Christopher and Zachary Householder; one brother, Frederick (Maureen) Phillips of VA; step-mother, Ruth Keeler of WA and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Burt’s life will be held on Sunday, August 31 at 3 p.m. at First United Church of Fulton, 33 South Third St., Fulton, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fair Haven Ambulance or First United Church of Fulton’s organ fund in his memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Foster Funeral Home, Hannibal, NY.