LOCAL BUSINESSMAN AND COMMUNITY LEADER
DIES AT 81
John N. Philipps, (Sr.), was born on March 31, 1943, in
Buffalo, NY. On August 26, 2024, he ended his life’s
journey and was called home into God’s kingdom after a
long illness.
When they were still in high school, John met the love
of his life, Nancy E. (Deinert), and they married soon after
graduation. His loving wife, Nancy predeceased John in
2007. He was a devoted father to John Jr. (Angela),
Michele Eisenlord (Eric) Sandler, Peggy (Glenn) Mayer,
and Nicole (Jason) Burger. Loving grandfather of 11
grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also
survived by his special companion Elizabeth (Betty) Elmer,
his high school friend, Paul Converso, his brother,
Ferdinand (late Mary), his sister Audrey (late Joseph)
Melber, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is
predeceased by his son-in-law, Edward Eisenlord and his
sister Marie (late Jerome) Phillips.
After graduating from St. Joseph’s Colligate Institute
in 1961, John began working full-time in the family
business, Philipps Bros. Hardware and Floor Covering. He
also set to work earning an associate’s degree in
accounting in night school while working full time in the
family business.
Philipps Brothers was started in 1927 by his father,
Ferdinand and his uncles Al and Edward. His father
bought out his uncles in 1960. It was later purchased by
John and his brother, Ferdinand, Jr. in 1977. John was
named Vice President and began transforming the
business. John was instrumental in transitioning the
business from a small local hardware store to a regional
outlet for construction and industrial supplies. The
business name was changed to Philipps Bros.
Construction and Industrial Supplies, Inc. to reflect the
change.
John hit the road as an outside salesman, calling on
job sites and businesses, building the business customer
by customer. John became a member of the Buffalo
Chamber of Commerce and was elected president of the
Kensington Businessman’s Association. He was also on a
product liability task force which sought tort reform in New
York.
When the business outgrew its home on Bailey Ave.
in Buffalo it expanded to its current location on Kensington
Ave. in Amherst. Under his direction, the business grew
into not only a regional supplier of construction and
industrial supplies, but also into a national business
through mail order. At its peak, the business had nearly 40
employees.
John also got the business involved in a trade
organization called STAFDA (Specialty Tools and
Fasteners and Distributers Association) which was
comprised of construction and industrial supply
businesses from all over the country. He served on its
board of Directors and was elected President of the
organization in 1984. He was also a founding member of
the Evergreen Marketing group, a national organization of
construction suppliers and manufacturers whose goal it is
to increase the profitability and market share of both its
members and preferred manufacturers. John served on its
Board of Directors from 2001-2005. In addition to being a
business leader, John was actively involved in his church
and community through his volunteer work.
John was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America
(BSA) throughout his adult life. He served as committee
chairman of Troop and Cub Pack 299 from 1973-1983.
From 1984-1986, he served as district commissioner in
the Greater Niagara Frontier counsel and served as
district chairman from 1987-1990. John also served as
Camping Chairman, Vice President of membership and
marketing as well as serving on the Finance Committee
and the board of directors. The Boy Scouts honored him
with the District Award of Merit in 1984, and he was
awarded the highest honor that an adult leader can
receive in the Boy Scouts – the Silver Beaver Award in
1988. In 1992 he presented with the St. George award in
“recognition of outstanding service to the spiritual
development of Catholic gents in the Boy Scouts of
America” for his work for instructing scouts seeking to earn
their Parvuli Dei and Ad Altare Dei Catholic religious
awards. He was also designated a “James E. West
Fellow” in 1999 for his contributions to the Boy Scouts and
was a charter member of the “On My Honor Society” in
2009. John also coached and managed his children’s
teams in the Lou Gehrig Little League.
John was a devout Catholic and active member of St.
Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Amherst, NY since
1970. He had served as president of the Holy Name
Society, he chaired a successful building fund drive for the
church, belonged to the Usher’s Society, and taught CCD
religious education to high school students. He also
enjoyed volunteering at St. Luke’s mission of Mercy. He
also was a parish trustee for over 30 years.
As a leader in both the religious and civic communities, he
was a man for all seasons who will be dearly missed by all
who knew him.
Friends and family may call Friday, August 30th from 3:00
PM to 8:00 PM at Dietrich Funeral Home, Inc., 2480
Kensington Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered
Saturday, August 31st at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X RC
Church, 1700 N. French Rd., Getzville, NY 14068.