Philip D'Arms

Philip W. D’Arms, 81, of East Syracuse, passed away on Thursday, February 3^rd, at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  He is predeceased by his parents, Edward F. and Cristina Coney D’Arms, brothers John H. D’Arms and Ted D’Arms, aunt Barbara Silber, and cousin Andy Silber.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Phil grew up in Princeton, New Jersey.  He was a graduate of Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut.  After attending Princeton University for two years, he transferred to the University of New Mexico, earning his bachelor’s degree as a political science major.  Early in his professional career, Phil worked at SUNY Stony Brook as an assistant to the Dean of Students, focusing on a variety of tasks including their Upward Bound Program.  At Stony Brook, he met Betty who, three years later, became his wife. 

Phil and Betty moved to Syracuse for Phil to pursue graduate study and he subsequently earned his master’s degree in higher education - administration from Syracuse University in 1972.  After serving as Assistant Director of Student Activities at Upstate Medical School, he served as Director of Student Activities at Onondaga Community College until his retirement in 1993.

After his retirement, Phil enjoyed time with family and friends and pursued his hobbies of tennis, gardening, and watching baseball, especially his beloved Boston Red Sox.  Friendly and affable, he enjoyed the camaraderie with partners and opponents alike in athletic activity throughout his life as much as, if not more than, the competition and exercise.

An active Democrat, Phil served as Chair of the Town of Elbridge Democrats.  After moving to Manlius, he was active with the Manlius Democrats serving as Town Chair. He worked as an elections inspector for many years, considering it his apolitical civic duty to do so.  He also worked part-time at Eastside Racquet Club in Manlius and, for a number of years, at Drumlins Tennis Club from which he retired.

Phil enjoyed traveling, exploring new places and the familiar.  He first visited Grand Manan, an island in the Bay of Fundy, as a child and returned as often as he could throughout his life.  A place of unique natural beauty and warm people, he made happy memories and friendships that remained important to him.

Philip is survived by his loving wife of over 52 years, Betty, and son, Steve, both of East Syracuse; cousin Tina Silber of Reston, VA; sister-in-law Teresa D’Arms, nephew Justin (Jodi Goldhand) D’Arms, niece Helena D’Arms, great-nieces Cecilia and Katrina D’Arms, and great-nephew Kaz D’Arms, all of Columbus, OH; nephew Keet (Michelle) D’Arms and great-niece Ariana D’Arms, of Atlanta, GA; brother- and sister-in-law Phillip and Joan Lundberg and nephews Alan and Mike (Christin) Lundberg, of Minneapolis, MN.  In lieu of flowers, for those who may wish to make a memorial donation, contributions to the following would be greatly appreciated:  Swallowtail Keepers Society, 50 Lighthouse Road, Grand Manan, NB, Canada E5G 2A2 or online at www.swallowtaillightouse.com   No calling hours or services are planned.