Ferdinand E. Philipps

Philipps, Ferdinand E.

June 7, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Mary C. Philipps (nee Conway); beloved father of Michael (Bonnie), Patrick (Cheryl), Charles (Mary Jo) and Thomas Philipps; loving grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call Friday, June 19, 2026, from 3 to 7 pm at the Dietrich Funeral Homes, Inc., 2480 Kensington Ave., Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10 am at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church, 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga, NY 14215. Please assemble at church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo at https://www.hospicebuffalo.com/give-get-involved/donate-now Online condolences may be shared at www.TheDietrichFuneralHomes.com

Growing up as a young boy on Orleans Street in Buffalo, NY, Ferdinand Edmund Philipps was hardworking and intelligent. Whether it was working in his Victory Garden, working through his Catholic school lessons or helping out at the family business, young Ferd was involved. He went to work with his father from a young age, tagging along and helping with tasks like sweeping the floor and stocking shelves. The family business, Philipps Brothers Paint and Hardware was started by his father and two uncles in 1927. It then morphed into a hardware and commercial floor covering. Ferd incorporated in 1977. Ferd was president from incorporation until his retirement in 2013 at age 80. With the help of his brother, his sons, his grandsons and numerous faithful employees over the years, this family-owned construction and industrial supply company has grown and thrived over almost 100 years.

Ferd’s tenure at Philipps Bros. was interrupted when he joined the army as a young man during the Korean Conflict. Ferd was praised for his management and organizational skills by superiors, excelling at office work while training in the states. While Ferd was on a ship to the war zone in 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed. Ferd famously said, “They had to sign the armistice because they heard Philipps was on the way”.

When he returned to Buffalo, Ferd met and married his beloved wife of 63 years, the late Mary Conway. Together, Ferd and Mary raised their four sons, Michael (Bonnie), Patrick (Cheryl), Charles (Mary Jo) and Thomas.

Ferd loved serving as a Boy Scout leader and spending time with the family at his favorite place, the family camp on 6th Lake in the Adirondacks. Over the years, Ferd also worked in his church and community. A man of faith, Ferd was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society and the usher’s society at St. Aloysius Gonzaga, his almost lifelong parish. In the community, Ferd was a member of the Amherst South Rotary Club.

Ferd and Mary enjoyed traveling, playing golf and bridge. They were attentive and involved grandparents to their thirteen grandchildren: Joshua Philipps, Elizabeth (Andres) Parra, the late Amanda Philipps, Edward Philipps, Steven (April) Philipps, Andrew (Sarah) Philipps, T.J. (Samantha) Philipps, Benjamin Philipps, William (Erin) Philipps, Jessica Philipps, Katherine (Phil) Zizzi, Joseph Philipps and Ryan Philipps. Papa Moose could always be counted on for a reading of the famous Brown Puppy or for a corny joke. Ferd was also blessed to have met fourteen great grandchildren: Lydia Philipps, Eleanor and Patrick Parra, Colton and Jackson Philipps, Russell, T.G., Scarlett and Evan Philipps, Theodore, Jameson and Matilda Zizzi and Matthew and Alexander Philipps.

In parting, one of Papa’s famous toasts, “To those that wish us well, all the rest can go to hell. Here’s to mud in your eye.”