Philip John Canestro

Philip John Canestro, 70, died unexpectedly on December 16, 2024.

Born in 1954 in Pittsfield, MA, to the late Raymond J. Canestro and Pauline Mary (Murphy) Canestro Andreas.

Philip was a graduate of New Lebanon Central High School where he received Varsity Letters in Soccer, Swimming, and Basketball. After high school, he joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany, where he loved traveling around Europe on his days off.

After his service, Philip pursued a career as a cook, specializing in Italian cuisine. He didn’t dare show up to a family gathering without his lasagna! After Philip retired from the restaurant business he started working at the Albany Stratton VA in the Canteen. He loved working there and he especially loved working for his boss, April Green.

Golf season weekends at 6:00 AM, you could find him at Sycamore Golf Course with his brother Michael. Philip played as many rounds of golf as he could before heading to work, and he would rise early again on Sunday to do it all over. His passion for golf was unmistakable, and he forged many lifelong friendships on the golf course. If he wasn’t cooking or golfing you could find him at Dick’s Sports buying that one club that was going to be THE ticket this year!

Philip was predeceased by his dear brothers, Dennis James Andreas and Edward Emile Andreas.

A curmudgeon in the very best way he was a kind man. He was a loyal friend to many and leaves a significant void in the hearts of his siblings: Patricia Canestro of Northampton, MA; Robert (Stephanie) Andreas of Daytona Beach, FL; Michael (Patricia) Canestro of Schodack; Catherine "Cate" Jones of Athens; Douglas (Cindi) Andreas of Charlotte, NC; Denise (Tim) Veillette of Bolton, CT; and Karen (Scott) Bombard of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his nieces Gina (Robert) Law of Palenville, Michele (Matt) Canestro of Boston, MA, and Page (Blaine) Galster of Portland, CT; nephews Craig Andreas of Albany, Daniel (Lissa) Andreas of Killeen, TX, Austin Andreas of Charlotte, NC, Anthony Canestro of Schodack, and Bruce and John Hyatt of Charlotte, NC; many great-nieces and nephews; and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 1st from 12 Noon to 3:00 PM at Schodack Valley Fire Company, 1553 Schodack Valley Rd, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033

In honor of our brother, please consider making a donation to support our homeless veterans. USVets.org is the highest-rated veteran organization assisting those in need. [https://honor.usvets.org/give/494002?amount=25#!/donation/checkout]