Philip Restifo

Loudonville - Philip A. Restifo of Loudonville, entered into eternal life peacefully on June 9, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 100 years old.

Phil was born and raised in the South End of Albany and was the loving son of the late Angelo and Maria Restifo.

Phil was a street kid spending many nights at the St. John's Hall. He began his high school career attending Philip Schuyler and later earned his high school diploma from St. John's, in the South end of Albany, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. They eventually married in 1947. Phil was a World War II Veteran who served his country with honor in the US Army. Phil worked part-time for the US Postal Service while attending Siena College, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Phil and Dorothy would reside in Rensselaer, NY, where they raised their two daughters. Phil was an active member of the Rensselaer Knights of Columbus where he and Dorothy met many dear friends and enjoyed activities together, including his weekly bowling league and dinner dances. He was a very spiritual man all his life and walked to the Franciscan Mission House in Rensselaer daily to attend Mass. Phil later went on to work for John Hancock Insurance Company until he retired. During retirement, he continued his work as an instructor for Combined Life Insurance. Golfing was another hobby that he enjoyed with friends and family, especially his nephew Angelo Serafino, and was also a lifelong #1 NY Yankee fan. Phil also enjoyed his afternoons in the backyard throwing the ball to his favorite furry four-legged friend, Rocket.

Phil was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy H. Orloff. Phil was a loving father to, and survived by, daughters Patricia Kane (Michael J.) and Joanne Judd (Paul). He was a loving grandfather "Gramp" to grandchildren, Aimee Frering (Christopher), Kimberly Judd-Pastiglione, Michael P. Kane (Leyla), Stacie Morris, Brendan Kane, and Leanne Stillitano (Matthew); great-grandpa "Papa" to Philip Pastiglione, Reed Kane, Noah Stillitano, Liam Pastiglione, Mila Morris, Roen Kane, Anderson Kane, Keegan Frering, Mason Stillitano and Madden Kane; beloved pal to niece, Angela Robillotto, Godfather to Mark Gray and also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Phil is predeceased by his siblings, Joseph Restifo (Rochina), Lena Sangiorgi (Benny), Anthony Restifo (Nancy), Carmella DeFranceso (Joseph), Pauline Lupo (Joseph), John Restifo (Catherine), Rose Rappazzo (Charles), Samuel Restifo (Anna), Anne O'Donnell (John), Frank Restifo (Frances).

True greatness can be achieved only by first redefining greatness in terms of serving others; not just themselves. To understand true greatness is to have known or have been loved by Phil. A man about his community he spent many of his days dedicated to giving to others and being a part of the community he grew to know and love. He was an active servant of his church and his faith allowed him to walk closely in the footsteps of God. His smile would light up a room and friends and loved ones would seek out his presence.

Those closest to him are his daughters who have experienced the love of a father like no other: a calming presence and rational demeanor. Reading a bedtime story with them, a summertime ride to Crystal Lake or just an afternoon run under the sprinkler were a few moments that he enjoyed most. A hug that provides a blanket of safety and security. For grandchildren and great-grandchildren; feeling the love and comfort of Gramp and Papa Phil, a love that is forever etched in your soul; laughter and the silly times; the quiet "sidebar" talks and those reassuring hugs and advice. He will forever be the rock of our family and although his physical presence is no longer with us, he leaves us his legacy of greatness.

A pillar of peace, honor, integrity, love, intention, and presence he was born into this world for a purpose; to show us what true greatness in a human being exemplifies.

Pleasing others is always his first concern. He portrays and exemplifies honor, grace, and wisdom and expects nothing in return....

Helping hand, no matter big or small, your problem he can solve. His wisdom overpowers, but his honesty prevails. His time never matters, it's your moment that counts, as this man....

Is always willing to listen to what you have to say, he will guide you, comfort you and send you on your way in which you not came....

Leaving you with no doubts about your decisions of life, recognizing that sacrifices and hard work are worth more than any lucky penny found on the street while....

In his heart he holds God and his family dear, knowing that how we act today will reflect on who we are tomorrow and living for today is better than regretting yesterday, in...

Portraying himself as a man with superior pride for the things he cherishes.....Life, Love and Happiness. A selfless man he is....a wonderful man!

God looked down from the Heavens and told this very story of a man and said, "There will be a man one day to fill this blueprint of life, he will be born on July 15th, 1923 and he will come home to Me on, June 9, 2024"....

.........."They will call him Philip"

Thank you for being the gift in our hearts we never knew we all needed.

A special thank you to the Albany Community Hospice for providing outstanding care for our father during this time. Specifically, to the following individuals who brought our father comfort, care, kindness, and friendship during these last few weeks; Darren, Steve, Rachel, Jamie, Sister Mary Kay, Corey, Betsy, Lacie, and Joe.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish (formally, St. John St. Ann's), 95 Fourth Avenue, Albany. Family and friends are invited and may visit with the family prior to service, beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Albany Community Hospice or a charity of your choice is greatly appreciated. Albany Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.