W2OSY - March 23, 2012
W2OSY - Philip D. 'Phil' Ingraham Philip D. 'Phil' Ingraham
Painted Post, NY

QCWA # 02468

Philip D. Ingraham (Phil) of 175 Deerland Ave., Painted Post, NY, expired on Friday, March 23, 2012 at Founders Pavilion in Corning, NY. He was born on December 11, 1916 in Hornell, NY, the son of Robert and Ratie Ingraham. His parents, two brothers, Robert and Lee and a daughter, Sandi Slater, have predeceased him. Phil is survived by his loving wife, Beatrice (Bea) of 69 years, a nephew, Robert Ingraham of Vancouver, CA; a niece, Helen Francis, of Silver City, NM and a great nephew, Kevin Crowe, of Tucson, AZ. Phil graduated from Painted Post High School in 1936. He worked for Painted Post Post Office and Quigley's Drug Store prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. Phil married Beatrice Mathews in 1942 in St. Louis, MO near Scott Field, IL, where he was stationed at the time. He served in the South Pacific for nearly three years. He was a M/Sgt. in the Army Airways Communications System in the U.S. Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was an Amateur Radio Operator (W2OSY). He was the first radio operator to be licensed in Painted Post by the Federal Radio Commission (now the Federal Communication Commission). This took place in 1934. Phil enjoyed life, he loved people, ham radio, traveling, photography, children, animals, and birds. He enjoyed writing poetry over the years and had several poems published. He worked at Corning Radio and Corning Building Co. prior to being employed by Corning, Inc. He retired from Corning, Inc. in 1976 having been employed at their laboratories as an electronic technician in Corning and Sullivan Park. He had 20 years of active service before an accident whereby he had to take a disability retirement. He was a member and an Ordained Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church in Painted Post where he has been a member since 1945. He sang in the church choir, was at one time a member of the Barber Shoppers, and loved playing the electronic organ at home. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW in Corning.

There will be no calling hours. There will be a Military Funeral at the First Presbyterian Church in Painted Post (now the United Church of Painted Post) on Thursday, March 29, at 11:00 am with Pastor Glenn Kennedy officiating. The eulogy, remarks and readings from Phil's poetry book are to be given by Pastor Gary McCaslin.

Phil will be missed by his many friends, especially by his closest friends and next door neighbors, Donald and Gloria Krebs, who couldn't possibly have been more helpful to both Bea and Phil. They are as close as any real family could be. Also, Gloria Morrison deserves a lot of credit too. She has been a tremendous help in many ways including so many daily trips for Bea to Founders. Whenever she couldn't take Bea, Don Krebs would take her or one of her other friends would if he was not available. Bea is so grateful to all their friends who have been so helpful during Phil's illness. Thank you one and all. Also, a special note to Hospice for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the First United Church of Painted Post and/or the Southern Tier Hospice at 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Phillips Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 17 W. Pulteney Street, Corning, NY 14830.