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Philip Fugazzotto - Class of 1965

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 02/Mar/2021
174.17.159.57

      Philip Dominick Fugazzotto, beloved brother, uncle and cousin, went to be with the Lord on February 19, 2021 at Birchwood Terrace in Burlington, VT. He was 73 years old. Phil was born and raised in Newburgh, NY. He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy and went on to almost three years of college before joining the Army during the early years of the Vietnam War. While in the Army, he was stationed in Italy and Germany and served as an ambulance driver. After his service in the Army, Phil worked for IBM for some years. Unfortunately, he developed health problems which took him out of the workforce.

Phil was a tall and quiet man and known in some circles as a "Gentle Giant". His Vermont connection was his sister Shirley and her husband Bill Wolford. Phil lived with them a few different times over the years, once at their little farm in the Northeast Kingdom, once in Hyde Park, and the last time in South Burlington, VT. He especially loved the farm and being out in nature. He loved gardening and had a wonderful little garden even while living in the city of Newburgh. He also tried his hand at painting and poetry.

Due to Phil's severe Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure, he moved into Birchwood Terrace from his sister's home. His quiet nature and easy-going personality made him a favorite there. He really enjoyed his time at Birchwood and felt quite at home there. Shirley and Bill used to pick him up every Sunday for Church and then have lunch before COVID-19 hit. They also took him out another day during the week, as well as for special occasions. He always enjoyed his outings and was very thankful for his "big" sister and brother-in-law (Phil was 6'3"and Shirley is only 5'3")

Phil will be greatly missed by his entire family and all of those who knew him, especially his sister and brother-in-law! Other relatives include his nephew Bill Wolford Jr. and his wife Madeline; niece Angela Crady and her husband Bruce; niece Francine Jones and her husband Rick; cousins Rita Smith and her husband Art, Francine Kohler and her husband Harrison, Marilyn Marchio, Joe Marchio, Joe Coviello and Jim Zumbo as well as all of their families.

Phil will be interred in Newburgh, NY next to his grandparents, Angelina and Antonio Zumbo, not far from our parents, Rose and Dominick Fugazzotto. The family is hoping to have a memorial service in Burlington, VT on April 13th, which would have been his 74th Birthday. - April 13, 1947 -  February 19, 2021

Submitted by James R Formato '65 jformato@hvc.rr.com  Memories of Phil dates back too our fun days at South Junior High School. That's where I first met him. Unfortunately, the year of the "Consolidation" prevented me from attending our sophomore year at NFA. Upon my return my friendship with Phil was reunited and we enjoyed our final two years with all the friends we had at SJHS. Yes, indeed, Phil was a "Gentle Giant" and I believe he is finally able to enjoy the promises of the rewards in the Eternal Kingdom. R.I.P. Phil!