Paul J. Phillips, DVM, 93, of Batavia passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, March 10, 2018. Paul was born in Chicago on December 20, 1924, to the late Edward and Irene (Walsh) Phillips. In addition to his parents, Paul is predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Dottie, and his son, Michael (John Styliaris, fiance).
When a man is a great father, it outshines every other major accomplishment in his life, and Paul had many. Paul was born in Chicago on December 20, 1924. A WWII veteran, “Doc” to all that knew him, grew up in Brooklyn, NY, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy T. Somers. With Dottie in tow, Doc went to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1954. He was quickly scooped up by Drs. Perry Combs & Rodney Forsyth in Batavia, which would become his “furever” home. After the passing of both Drs. Combs & Forsyth, Doc continued the veterinary practice solo. Doc also founded Genesee Valley Farm, where we could fulfill his passion for Standardbred racehorses. He continued practicing until his battle with throat cancer in 2013, forced him to retire. Doc will be well remembered for his wit, compassion & honesty for all who would walk into his vet practice, or interact with him at their farms.
He is survived by his devoted children, Paul (Lisa Bosley) of Loveland, Colorado; Edward (Doreen Turnbull) of Babylon, NY; Anne Phillips of Batavia; Constance Chisolm of Rochester; Daniel (Jacquie) Phillips of Batavia, & Katherine (Robert) Brown of Batavia Grandchildren; Jessica, Rachael, Ned, Mikala, Craig, Peter, Paul, Adam, Matthew, Katrina, Sydney, Samantha, Phillip, Natalie & Brendan, and many great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews. He is also survived by his sister Helen Huley of MA.
There will be no prior calling hours as Doc’s wishes were for no visitation. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled for a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Volunteers For Animals www.vol4animals.org 3841 West Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020 or the Annual Fund at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine in memory of Dr. Paul J. Phillips at http://bit.ly/2FwgihA or Box 39., Ithaca, NY 14853. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
