Obituary of Duane Phillips

Duane Phillips, 84, of Cortland, NY, passed away surrounded by his loving children on December 24, 2023. Duane (sometimes referred to as Dewey) was born on June 13, 1939 to George Phillips and Edith (West) Phillips in DeRuyter, NY. Duane attended Cincinnatus High School where his love of sports began. He played soccer, basketball and baseball during high school where he received many awards. Duane’s love of sports was evident throughout the rest of his life. He enjoyed watching most sports and there was rarely a time that a sports game was not on his television. Duane played on many softball, baseball, bowling and golf leagues. If you knew Duane, he was an avid New York Giants and Yankees fan. Duane was employed by Coca-Cola Bottling Company for many years. He retired from Cortland City Enlarged School District as a school bus driver in 2011. Duane attended Faith Baptist Church in Cortland, NY with his family. He enjoyed church picnics and playing on the church softball league. Duane is survived by his children, Michael Phillips, Rebecca (Andrew) Giessman and Tamara Pierce. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason (Kristi) Phillips, Shannon (Shaughn) Goggin, and Shaun and Olivia Giessman and several great grandchildren. Duane was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Delores (Allen) Phillips; parents, George and Edith (West) Phillips; sister, Shirley Wyatt; son, Darrin Phillips and son-in-law, Troy Pierce. Duane’s life will be honored with visitation on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 1 to 3 PM immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service. Both the visitation and service will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 1731 Route 13, Cortland, NY 13045 with Pastor Carl Lyman officiating. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot be in attendance via https://www.facebook.com/faithincortland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary donations be directed to Tamara Pierce or Rebecca Giessman, 3677 Pendleton Street, Cortland, NY 13045 to assist with expenses.