Obituary of Philip Conti SR

Philip Charles Conti, Sr., 69, of Baldwin Road, passed away at home with his family on April 28, 2009. Phil was born in North Adams, MA, on October 25, 1939, and lived his childhood in Vermont. He was the son of his late parents, Carmino and Rae, and was a graduate of North Adams High School. After graduating, Phil enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country overseas. He was honorably discharged in 1965 and returned to Vermont where he worked as a cook, following in his father's footsteps. Not wanting to become a career chef, he moved to Schenectady when he heard that the G.E. was hiring. Not wanting to completely leave his culinary roots, he worked nights at the Holiday Inn even after being hired by G.E. It was at the Holiday Inn where he met and fell in love with Margaret Smith (Peggy), his wife of 41 years. They were married at St. Paul the Apostle Church on June 10, 1967. At G.E., Phil worked in various capacities until his retirement in 1994. Although Phil had a remarkable career, his work accomplishments would always be shadowed by his personal accomplishments; Phil was a tremendous husband and a great father and friend. He was an avid outdoorsman, fond of hunting, fishing, hiking (he climbed seven of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, three of which after becoming ill), canoeing, cross country skiing, and camping. Phil shared the love of the outdoors with his family at every opportunity, inspiring his wife, children, and grandchildren to enjoy the beauty of the natural world, and to pass that love along. His enthusiasm and unconditional love will be forever remembered. In addition to his wife, Peggy, he is survived by his three sons and daughter, and their families; Philip Jr. and Lynn along with their children, Anais, Philip III, and Emily; Bob and Barb along with their son, Calvin; Chad and Jen along with their children, Alex and Lydia; Brenda and her husband, Mike Ross. He is also survived by Peggy's parents, John and Marjorie Smith, and Peggy's brother and his family, John and Becky Smith and their son, Ben. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Eddie and Jimmy, and his sister, Cecile. The family wishes to thank all that helped and supported them throughout Phil's final days. As the quote says. "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 9 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, with burial following at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made, in lieu of flowers, to Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs, 136 Shrine Road, Auriesville, NY 12016.