Obituary of William Edward Becker Phillips

William Edward "Ed" Becker Phillips, 88, formerly of Hagaman, NY passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady with his loving family by his side.

He was born on March 2, 1935 to Arthur Phillips and Alice Cuyler Phillips of Hagaman. 

Ed attended local schools graduating from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force where he served from 1952 until 1956. He then served in the Air National Guard for 42 years retiring as Chief Master Sergeant. He was later employed in the Maintenance Department of Voorheesville High School where he worked for over 20 years. Ed was united in marriage to Miss Bernadette O’Leary on February 7, 1960 they remained lovingly married until her passing on November 6, 2019. 

In his spare time he enjoyed traveling especially to Vegas, betting on horses at OTB and Saratoga, bowling, tinkering and volunteering his time as a member of the Elks club. More than anything Ed loved to offer a helping hand and was always there to help with anything his friends or family needed.

Ed is survived by his daughters; Eileen Valenti of Amsterdam, Colleen Dzikas of Schenectady, sons; Lawrence (Lisa) Kelly of IN, and Thomas (Andrea) Kelly of Altamont. His sisters include Norene Cooper of Georgia and Judith Shannon of Amsterdam. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Amy (Dan) Freer, Michelle (Matthew) Dolly, Lori (Matt Samko) Valenti, Michael Valenti, Kathryn (Jerry) Nestleroad and Justin Reynolds as well as his great-grandchildren; Madison and Matix Dolly, William and Finnegan Ainsworth, Zoë Samko, and Aiden, Isaac, and Juniper Reynolds. Other relatives include Scott Ainsworth as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Alice and Arthur, daughter Maureen Kelly in 2000, wife Bernadette and son Michael Kelly who passed away in 2019, as well as his sister June Sajdak, brothers-in-law Robert Cooper, and Andrew Shannon, John Piska and son-in-law Tony Dzikas.

Calling Hours will take place on Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home 171 Guy Park Ave Amsterdam, NY 12010. A Funeral Service will take place the follow day on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 10:00 am at Calvary Reformed Church 15 Church St Hagaman, NY 12086 with the Reverend Stan Craig officiating. Interment will follow at Gerald BH Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga where Ed will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors.