Livonia: Gordon Boothe Phillips, 78, on February 16, 2014 after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Predeceased by son, Marcus Ashley Phillips, sister, Edith Schmitt, and brother Lewis Phillips. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Linda, who he called Will; sons Lee (Wendy) Phillips, Christopher (Victoria) Phillips, and Stacy (Ellie) Phillips. He will be remembered always by grandchildren, Tonya (Jeff) Palumbo, Mason (Allison), Blake, Blair, Holly (Aaron) Hernandez, Lauren, Katrina, and Jenna and his other grandchildren Suzi, Chrissie (Jeremiah), JP (Elena), and Nicole. Many great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister, Daphne Giampietro, and brother, Dudley Phillips. Brother-in-law, Charles (Sharon) Mason, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Gordon was, in his younger years, a photographer, chemist, science teacher, and guidance counselor, but he found his true calling at about age 50 as a Paramedic. He is well known and respected in the Greater Rochester ambulance community for his skills, his humor, and his loving patient care. Gordon Phillips ambulance stories abound.
Family and friends remember him as unique and colorful and often outrageous. He made us laugh every day. He was sought out by many as a counselor, always ready to listen to problems and troubles, helping each find his or her own best pathway.
Still sharing of himself in death, according to his wishes, his body has been gifted to the Anatomical Gift Program at the University of Rochester Medical School.
Friends may call on Thursday, February 20, from 4-7 PM at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree St, Routes 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY 14487, where a celebration of Gordon’s life will be held Friday at 11 AM. A luncheon reception will immediately following at JJ Leisures, 6001 Big Tree Rd., Lakeville, NY 14480. Donations in Gord’s honor may be made to Livonia Ambulance, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487 or to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). To send a condolence please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
To Gordon’s Family– What a great man, My wife and I rode with Gordon many times on ambulance my wife was an medic and I was a driver. Sorry we missed his celebration of life. I was shocked to see the write up in penny saver. God bless Gordon’s family.
Linda, Julie and I are truly sorry for the passing of Gordon. I will always be greatful of Gordon’s joy for life. He always answered the door of your home with a beaming smile and a hardy handshake. He had a quick sense of humor and unparalleled wit when we spoke. Gordon was always interested in what our children were doing and asked everytime we visited. I can never recall a negative word coming from him. May he forever rest in peace. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Psalm 127
Children are a heritage from the Lord,offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
Lee, Sorry for the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and the family. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning : Psalms 30:5.
Gordon was a good friend, I loved his charm and his great personality, he was truly a wonderful and caring person, he earned his wings a long time ago.
So sorry for your loss! Gordon was a great man & super funny! I had the pleasure getting to share laugh’s with Gordon while we worked together at Morgan Estates!!
Gordon was a great guy. I met him years ago when I was a EMT for Livonia. He also saved my Dads life while he was running with Medic79. My dad dropped dead at Wegmans in Geneseo and I am told that some customers and employees did cpr for around 14 minutes when Gordon arrived and used a lifepack and brought my dad back to life. I will never forget the look on Gordons face when I walked into the ER at Strong and asked him who he brought in. Then it hit him who his patient was. Gordon was a great guy and he will be missed. Hope he rests in peace.