WATERVLIET – Philip J. Light, 88, died Friday evening, November 30, 2018 at the Albany County Nursing Home with his wife Marianne at his side. Born in Gilbertsville, NY on March 20, 1930, he was the son of the late Harry B. and Rose Fern Light.
Phil was raised in Watervliet and was a 1947 graduate of Watervliet High School. He was a US Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a very active member of the Jermain Memorial Church for over 70 years.
He was employed as a salesman for Keis Beer Distributors in Watervliet and Colony Liquor Distributors in Menands for many years before retiring.
Phil was a Free Mason and was a past commander and life member of the Watervliet VFW Post #729 and a lifetime member of the Watervliet Lodge of Elks #1500. He was a dedicated Watervliet Democratic Committeeman for several years.
Phil was a member of the “Over the Hill Gang” cheering on the Watervliet Cannoneers at all their sporting events and bowled at Thornes Bowling Alley for 30 years. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.
He is the beloved husband of Marianne Hetman Craver Light who he married in 2008; father of James P. (Sandra) Light of Latham, Linda M. Light of Schenectady and Thomas H. (Lisa) Light of Loudonville; stepfather of Louanne (David) Wagoner of Watervliet and Marianne Craver (Robert Anderson) of Lansingburgh. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 2 step-grandsons and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet on Wednesday from 4:00-6:30 pm. The funeral service will follow at 6:30 pm with Rev. Paul Carney, Deacon officiating. His ashes will be entombed in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Thursday at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 146 First Street, Troy, NY 12180 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.
Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.
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