Obituary of Basil Philip Willsey

WILLSEY, B. Philip "Grandpa Coach" Age 65 of Elmira Heights, NY. He was born October 5, 1949 in Corning, son of the late Basil, Jr. and Eileen (Crozier) Willsey and passed away Monday, November 17, 2014 at home after a short illness. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandparents Basil, Sr. and Eileen Willsey; sisters Kerri Miller and Trudy Thumann and his beloved Punky. Phil is survived by his wife Rosalyn; sons Philip (Liz) of Elmira Heights and Robert (Rose) of Horseheads; grandchildren Cameron, Anthony, Eric, Ryan, Bella and Ethan; great granddaughter Zaria; sisters Charlene (Joe) Landon of Alpine and Susan Hoyt of Valdosta, GA; brother Steven Willsey of Laredo, TX along with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was proud to serve in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam era. Philip was a maintenance supervisor, a business owner of GNS Boat & Canvass and most recently worked in the maintenance department of Bethany Village. He was an avid Yankees and NY Giants fan and a hunter. He coached Elmira Heights sports for many years including Small Fry football with his son and Cinderella softball with his granddaughter. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Thursday, November 20th from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Phil through memorials to CareFirst, 11751 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830, the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice.