1952
Philip "Phil"
2014
Philip "Phil" H. VanWhy
April 25, 1952 — August 18, 2014
Philip H. VanWhy “Mayor of Austinâ€
AUSTIN, PA—Philip H. “Phil†VanWhy, 62, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA, passed away with his loving family at his side on Monday, August 18, 2014 at Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Born on April 25, 1952 in Coudersport, he was the son of Harold N. and Margaret B. Barr VanWhy. On October 16, 1976 in Austin, Phil married Terri M. Brewer, who survives.
Mr. VanWhy attended Austin Area Schools. Serving across the world on several deployments with the USS Davis, Mr. VanWhy served his country proudly in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1974 in the U.S. Navy. After his military service, he worked for the Mendin Pipeline and Utility Contractors in Linesville, PA as a truck driver and an operator of heavy machinery. He later went on to work for Emporium Specialties in Austin and Caldwell Corp. in Emporium, where he worked as a shipping and receiving clerk. At Caldwell Corp., Phil’s sons were able to work alongside their father, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Upon retirement, Phil was the manager at Ritsick’s Garage in Austin, where he enjoyed visiting with customers and friends who would stop by.
Phil was currently serving his second term as Mayor of Austin. He was also a member of the Austin United Methodist Church and a member of the Austin Volunteer Fire Department, where he volunteered as an ambulance attendant and firefighter. Mr. VanWhy was also a member of the Steel Workers Union and VFW Post 7810 in Austin. He enjoyed working on cars, playing cards, and spending time with his family.
Surviving besides his wife are his father-in-law, Robert W. Brewer of Shinglehouse; two sons, Shayne P. (Casey) VanWhy and Brent A. (Carrie) VanWhy, both of Coudersport; five grandchildren, Trey, Kolby, Kaylee, Vanessa, and Drew, all of Coudersport; a sister, Donna Nickeson of Austin; an aunt, Shirley Krog of Wellsville, NY; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. VanWhy was predeceased by his parents.
At Phil’s request, there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 3 PM at the Austin United Methodist Church with Rev. Steven D. Small, Jr., pastor of the Southern Potter United Methodist Charge, officiating.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord Military Honors on Thursday at the church.
Flowers are gratefully declined and will be provided by the family.
Memorials may be made to the Austin United Methodist Church, 26 Turner St., Austin, PA 16720 or to the Austin Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
AUSTIN, PA—Philip H. “Phil†VanWhy, 62, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA, passed away with his loving family at his side on Monday, August 18, 2014 at Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Born on April 25, 1952 in Coudersport, he was the son of Harold N. and Margaret B. Barr VanWhy. On October 16, 1976 in Austin, Phil married Terri M. Brewer, who survives.
Mr. VanWhy attended Austin Area Schools. Serving across the world on several deployments with the USS Davis, Mr. VanWhy served his country proudly in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1974 in the U.S. Navy. After his military service, he worked for the Mendin Pipeline and Utility Contractors in Linesville, PA as a truck driver and an operator of heavy machinery. He later went on to work for Emporium Specialties in Austin and Caldwell Corp. in Emporium, where he worked as a shipping and receiving clerk. At Caldwell Corp., Phil’s sons were able to work alongside their father, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Upon retirement, Phil was the manager at Ritsick’s Garage in Austin, where he enjoyed visiting with customers and friends who would stop by.
Phil was currently serving his second term as Mayor of Austin. He was also a member of the Austin United Methodist Church and a member of the Austin Volunteer Fire Department, where he volunteered as an ambulance attendant and firefighter. Mr. VanWhy was also a member of the Steel Workers Union and VFW Post 7810 in Austin. He enjoyed working on cars, playing cards, and spending time with his family.
Surviving besides his wife are his father-in-law, Robert W. Brewer of Shinglehouse; two sons, Shayne P. (Casey) VanWhy and Brent A. (Carrie) VanWhy, both of Coudersport; five grandchildren, Trey, Kolby, Kaylee, Vanessa, and Drew, all of Coudersport; a sister, Donna Nickeson of Austin; an aunt, Shirley Krog of Wellsville, NY; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. VanWhy was predeceased by his parents.
At Phil’s request, there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 3 PM at the Austin United Methodist Church with Rev. Steven D. Small, Jr., pastor of the Southern Potter United Methodist Charge, officiating.
Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord Military Honors on Thursday at the church.
Flowers are gratefully declined and will be provided by the family.
Memorials may be made to the Austin United Methodist Church, 26 Turner St., Austin, PA 16720 or to the Austin Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Philip "Phil" H. VanWhy, please visit our flower store.
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