Philip Carl Terwilliger

Philip Carl Terwilliger
It is with great sorrow and sadness that Philip Carl Terwilliger passed away at the age of 71 on Friday, September 14, 2018.
Phil was born in Ithaca on November 8, 1946, the son of William and Grace Updike Terwilliger. He grew up on the Coddington Road and always had wonderful memories of his childhood friend, later moving to Snyder Hill. When Phil married Mary they made their home in Caroline for close to 50 years. Phil built their home on Harford Road including doing all the excavation work.
Phil is survived by his wife, Mary Davis Terwilliger at home; two sons who he cherished, Ted Terwilliger of Brooktondale and Shawn (Andrea) Terwilliger all of Richford. He taught them to be honest and hard workers. He enjoyed working with Ted on old cars and other projects, giving him lots of advice. He worked with Shawn as a heavy equipment operator, taking pride in their work. He was very proud of both of them. His three grandchildren were the apple of his eye, Elliyanna, Sofia and Rowland Terwilliger.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Grace Terwilliger and his in-laws, Rowland “Bow” and Pauline Piney Davis.
Phil was graduated from Ithaca High School in 1964 and went to work at Eastern Artificial Breeders. In 1966, he was drafted into the US Army and received an Honorable discharge in 1968. After leaving Eastern Artificial Breeders, he became one of the best heavy equipment operators, working for several area contractors before going to work for the Tompkins County Highway Dept. His last job was with Twig’s, showing his son the tricks of the trade and telling him how to do things the “right” way. Many nights were spent talking about their jobs.
He enjoyed going to Car and Antique Tractor Shows, and learning all he could about them; but his greatest enjoyment in life was his family. Being a Vietnam veteran, he thought the war and fighting was over, but little did he know that the fight had just begun. In March 2018 he was diagnosed with lung cancer from Agent Orange. He fought the battle but did not win.
A special “Thank You” goes to all of our friends who helped in so many ways during this difficult time.
Friends are invited to call from 1-2 pm Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden, NY where a funeral service will follow at 2 pm officiated by Pastor Cindy Schulte. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Charles Mulks Cemetery, Slaterville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Slaterville Fire Co., PO Box 190, Slaterville Springs, NY 14881.