AMENIA — George Ernest Phillips, 100, a lifelong area resident died peacefully on March 16, 2026, at Sharon Center for Health and Rehabilitation. From 1955 to 1972, Mr. Phillips owned and operated the Edgewood Restaurant in Amenia, with his wife Anne, and he was also a real estate broker for many years as well.
Born Sept. 13, 1925 in Poughkeepsie, New York, he was the son of the late Royal and Elizabeth (Piltz) Phillips. He was a graduate of Amenia High School and attended Cornell University. Mr. Phillips served his country in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 in the Golden Acorn Infantry Division as well as in the 3rd Army of General George S. Patton. He also assumed a variety of roles during his time in the 87th Infantry Division, including platoon messenger and platoon sergeant. On Veterans Day in 2019 he was one of 108 veterans nationally that received a pin and certificate in recognition of 75-years of continuous service to his local legion post, the Millerton American Legion Post 178. Mr. Phillips also documented his experiences in a book, “Stories of My Life”, which he presented to the Amenia Historical Society.
On Feb. 3, 1953, in Cornwall Bridge, he married Frances Anna “Anne” Sprossel who passed away on May 21, 2024. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and many caregivers.
Mr. Phillips is survived by two daughters, Diane Phillips of Wakefield, Rhode Island and Debra Phillips of Pine Plains, New York; four grandchildren;David Fletcher and his wife Amber, Peter Faggella and his wife Megan, Daniel Faggella and Shannon Fierro and her husband Frank; five great grandchildren, Dominic and Leah Fletcher, Charlotte and Joseph Fierro and Hannah Faggella and several niece and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Phillips was also predeceased by three brothers, Royal Phillips, Webster Phillips and Chester Phillips.
Calling hours will be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday March 27, 2026, at Scott D. Conklin Funeral Home, 37 Park Avenue, Millerton, NY. The Millerton Legion Post 178 will conduct a service at 1:00 p.m. The United States Army will render Standard Military Honors at 1:15 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor William Mayhew will officiate. To send an online condolence to the family, flowers to the service or to plant a tree in Mr. Phillips’ honor, please visit www.conklinfuneralhome.com




Dick Hermans in the Oblong Bookstore on Millerton’s Main Street in 1985.Provided



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