COLONIE - Philip D. Walrath, born September 2, 1938, passed away September 1 at St. Peter's Hospital after a long illness. The son of Leo E. and Ruth F. Walrath, he was raised in St. Johnsville, NY and graduated from high school there in 1956 and from Albany Business College in 1959.
On December 18, 1960 he married the former Patricia Green of Jewett Heights, NY. The couple were residents of Colonie for more than 50 years and gave birth to three daughters: Charlene Clark (Daniel); Debra Mafrici (William) and Melissa Lalonde, all area residents. He is survived by a sister, Elaine Herzog (Richard), Bethlehem, Pa; brother, Allen, of Amsterdam, plus nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Peterson, Olathe, KS.
He was employed by Hayden Stone and Company, Albany Public Markets and Weiss Markets before venturing out on his own to become a distributor of Pepperidge Farm products in 1975. From then until retirement in 2000, he serviced stores in Colonie, Schenectady and other area locations.
He was an avid sports fan and ardent supporter of the New York Mets from the team's earliest days, had a strong interest in World War II aircraft, and was a 50 year member of the Masonic order, St. Johnsville lodge.
And he was proud of his extended family, supporting them at all times in a generous and heartfelt manner.
Services are scheduled for Saturday, September 6 at 11 a.m. at the Community Reformed Church, 701 Sand Creek Road, Albany, with calling hours at the church from 6 to 8 pm, Friday. Interment will be at Memory Gardens, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Schuyler Inn, 575 Broadway, Menands NY 12204 or a charity of one's choice.