Philip F. Bremser (1920 – 2020)) We lost one of the good guys: son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher and WWII Marine combat veteran. In his 100 years on this planet he accomplished much but never lost his lust for life and love of family. As a member of the “Greatest Generation” he never hesitated to do the “right thing” without complaint or need for recognition.
Philip was born in Montreal Canada and grew up in Plattsburgh, NY. In High School he excelled in sports earning 12 varsity letters, was captain of the baseball and football teams and was twice elected class president. Upon graduation he attended Plattsburgh Teachers college and played baseball and basketball. His schooling was interrupted by the onset of WWII and like many of his generation he answered the call of duty and joined the Marines.
During WWII he was shipped to the far east and fought in the last big battle of WWII on the Island of Okinawa. There he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. His unit suffered over 100% casualties (some being wounded twice) The depravations he suffered while fighting in the jungle and living out of a fox hole for months at a time left an indelible mark on his life. After that, there was little that phased him, and from there on in he took life in stride. To his dying day he proudly wore his Marine Corp hat whenever he went out. Once a Marine always a Marine!
In 1946 he married his college sweetheart: Mary Edith (Moran) was married 57 years until her death in 2004. Throughout life they were inseparable and no doubt one of the keys to his longevity was the fact that he never ate fast food, always preferred to come home and eat a home cooked meal. Together they raised six children.
After separation from the service he utilized the GI Bill to pursue his love of wood working, earning a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego and a master’s from Sr. Lawrence University. For over 30 years he taught wood shop in the Scotia-Glenville school system, retiring in 1981. For years he coached JV Baseball and Freshman football and was deeply involved in stage construction for school plays. For over ten years he was director of the Adult Education program for Scotia High School. He was always happy when one of his students stopped to chat and share memories.
In his younger years he also played semi-pro baseball and then went on to pursue a sideline of umpiring baseball which continued his passion for sports.
After retirement, utilizing his carpenter skills, he was in great demand as a handyman well into to his eighties. His second passion was his summer cottage on Galway Lake where he enjoyed 50 wonderful years with his extended family who often gathered there. Until the very end he talked longingly of going yet again as soon as the snow was gone.
Philip and his wife embraced travel after the end of their work years and enjoyed travelling long into their 80’s. They especially liked the southwest area, returning repeatedly to enjoy the national parks and Indian ruins.
Philip was pre-deceased by his parents Philip Bremser and Emmaline (Bedard), sister; Rene’, brother; Guy and his only daughter: Phyllis (Stanton). Survivors include his five sons: Mark (Maryann); George (Regina); Neil (Jo Marie); Eric; and Kevin (Zofia). Seven grandchildren: Ryan, Rachel, Amy, David, Michael, Cara and Ryan. Four great-grandchildren: Annabelle, Miles, Chole and Matthew. The family wishes to give special thanks to his granddaughter Amy and son-in-law Adam who lived with him in his later years and took such compassionate care of him that we will be forever grateful.
A celebration of life will be deferred until it is deemed safe to gather. Arrangements are being handled by Bekkering Funeral Home in Scotia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment. More information can be found on their website https://www.woundedwarrior.marines.mil/CharitableGiving/
On line condolences can be made at www.bekkeringellisfuneralhome.com.
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