62, October 12, 2021
Tom was a native Rochesterian and spent his entire life in this area.
He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Jean Phillips, and sister Ann Phillips Hill. He is survived by his father Richard Phillips Sr, and brother Richard Phillips Jr.(JoAnn),and sister Susan Cooper (Kenneth). Also, four nephews and a niece and their children.
He was a graduate of Lafayette College in Easton Pa. Tom’s great love was music and especially the piano. His love extended to both classical and jazz music. Tom loved art and enjoyed water color painting of barns and more personal birthday and holiday cards.
He was a member of the rhythm section of the Syndicate Jazz Band of Rochester and appeared regularly at the local Jazz fest. He was a champion of the underdog and always sided with the oppressed. We will miss his spirited discussions on politics especially the hypocrisy of its practitioners.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday November 7th from 2-6 PM at the Grand View Lodge at Powder Mills Park(49 Woolston Road, Pittsford, NY)
The family asks that donations in Tom’s memory be sent to the Golisano Children’s Hospital
or the Pluta Cancer Center or the Open Door Mission.
If you are a member of one of the organizations that meant a lot to Tom,
please consider making a donation in Tom’s memory.
Comments
21 responses to “Phillips, Thomas T.”
I am so sorry fir your loss.
Words can’t begin to describe my sadness. The memories we had as kids were absolutely etched into my mind. There were just so many, many good times. I’m just remembering one incredible nutty and crazy thing after another that we all did growing up. We didn’t have a care in the world back then. We lived life to the fullest and in the moment. I was so blessed that you were a part of it my friend. Rest In Peace Tom.
Tom was such a special person. He was a close and dear friend for many decades, and he enriched my life greatly, both musically and personally. We will all miss Tom’s artistic knowledge and passion, and I already miss our weekly musical get-togethers. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
My deepest condolences to Tom’s family. I’m very sad about Tom’s passing. I’m glad that I got to know him a little bit. It saddens me to know that Tom is no longer on my train in this life’s journey. I pulled out my pile of hand-written letters, and hand-made drawings and paintings that I have of Tom’s, he was so incredibly talented. I’ll also remember him sitting at his piano at home playing and practicing in the evening with his little Christmas lights up. That was a comfort zone to him. Whenever I see a Crow, hear Jack Bruce and some other various tunes, or see someone playing a piano, I will likely think of Tom. I’m grateful to have known Tom. Tom and I had a thing about calling him TTP, he really liked that. Tom, you are not a stranger in the hands of The Maker. Rest in Peace TTP.
Tom was one of the most talented persons I’ve ever known. I’m grateful for all the musical experiences we shared, whether it was listening to a famous Rach recording, live jazz at Le Jazz Hot or playing Ravel during our flute & piano duet sessions. Thank you Ttp for all the awesome hangs, the countless cds you made for me, for playing the Bach & Telemann, for making me play Brahms violin stuff – and for encouraging me to listen to other alto players besides Art Pepper. I miss you. Love, Ssq
Tim was such a fine person, gentle, thoughtful, funny and full of wisdom. I am so sad about this great loss and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Tom (or “Toledo,” as he’s known in our family) has been a lifelong friend of mine and my brother Chris’s since the mid-70s, when he played piano in Chris’s rock band, “Midnight Blue.” He even joined our family on a trip to our summer place in VT back then, where he swam in a mountain stream, split wood and drove a tractor (I have the photos!). Tom often visited my art fair booth over the years, and we got to have a long phone chat shortly before he passed. He was an elegant guy: so talented, caring, smart, and had a great, wry sense of humor, delivered in that gentle, soft-spoken way. My deepest sympathy to his family.
I am so very sorry to learn that Tom passed away. He was a high school friend, kind and really funny. I wouldn’t have made it through algebra without him. Tom was also an amazingly talented piano player, which I only learned on the eve of IHS graduation because he was so, so not a show-off. I’m really fortunate that our paths crossed. Sending best wishes to his family and friends at this really difficult time.
Rest well, you gentle, thoughtful, talented soul. Wishing peace and comfort to your friends and loved ones.
I am so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. My condolences to his family . Tom was so endearing, and thoughtful. He will be missed by me and many others friends. God Bless you, Tom
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was one of my closest friends from the time that we met in high school, when Tom agreed to play piano in a band that I was putting together. After high school and college, we shared a rented house in Ellison Park with another friend and musician, a house that was host to many late-night jam sessions and listening sessions. Tom was a great soul; he was kind, thoughtful and generous, and had a great sense of humor. My sincere condolences to his family.
I will miss the celebration of his life as I’ll be traveling but I will be thinking of him as I have been these past weeks, so sad that he is gone. I’m sorry that the pandemic kept many of us apart and I wasn’t able to see him before he died. Whenever he spoke I listened closely. He was someone I was always so happy to see.
Our deepest condolences to Tom’s family. We were so sad to hear of his passing! Tom was Steve’s dear friend first, connecting through Chris Wilder. Steve remembers well, the incredible times spent at the infamous Ellison Park house late-night jam and listening sessions. Tom was an inspiration to Steve musically; he was an amazing musician and friend. Tom was also a beloved yogi in Rochester’s Yoga Community. Although I knew Tom because of my marriage to Steve, my deeper friendship with him occured later in life, about 12 years ago, through our practice of yoga. Tom regularly appeared at Thanksgiving benefits at Midtown. We also practiced at LuluLemon. A favorite was with Enrique at Atman Yoga on Elton Street. Tom was a kindred spirit; a loving, kind, and talented soul. He will be dearly missed.
We lost a kind, thoughtful, humble and wildly talented friend, and too soon. I’m just so grateful to have known him.
Tom was such a dear person. Our paths crossed many times over the years and he was unfailingly kind, warm, and funny. My heart goes out to those who are grieving this loss. I will carry him in my heart.
Tom was astoundingly generous, open, and wise. I’m grateful to have known him through yoga and community work for radical social change. I treasure the gifts of art, words, and music that he shared with me, and the memories I have of him. Holding all those who love and miss him in my heart.
So sorry to hear you passed away . I will miss you . YOU TOM , Always have been a great benefit to my life . RIP.
Tommy, my long time friend,
I just found out of your passing today. I am sad to know that I will no longer see you on our shared journey. You are such a humble, honest and beautiful soul. Man I am going to miss you! Peace Brother.
I am in shock. I’m so upset that I’m only finding out now or I would have attended the gathering. Tom taught me piano. He was unbelievably smart and patient. We also played tennis and he was a worthy opponent.! I am so sorry for your loss.
Tom was a funny, wise, kind soul with a wonderfully unique personality. He often wore the old hat (i think it was a postal hat), vest and his fingerless gloves. He was always so kind to me and we would always say hello to each other. I always enjoyed our exchanges. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. I will gladly make a donation to Open Door Mission in his name. RIP Tom.
Oh Tom, I just heard today that you have left our orbit. We did not run into each other often, I believe the last time was in Richmond’s long ago. Too bad, I always was fond of you and considered you a friend. I’ll forever remember the neighborhood: Couchman, Frankland, Suburba, Dumont, List etc. and the crazy fun as kids we all had. You were my first crush.
Be free old friend,
Michelle De Forest