On Saturday, March 16, 2019, Philip Reagan (aka Poppa), an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and mentor, passed away at the age of 67.
Phil was born on June 2, 1951, in Massena, N.Y., to Jerimiah and Ruth Ann Reagan. On July 15, 1972, Phil married the love of his life, Cheryl Stuart Reagan. He leaves behind his son, Matthew (Chelsea), daughters Courtney (Brian) Webb and Kristen (Greg) Duda, grandchildren Trevor, Alexa, Reagan, Connor and McKenna. He is also survived by his siblings Patrick (Anne), Nancy (Greg), Mark (Julie) and several nieces and nephews.
His remarkable educational achievements include and an associate’s degree from The State University of New York at Canton, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Potsdam, then proceeded to continue his education and earn a master’s degree in counseling from St. Lawrence University. Lastly, he received a doctorate in education and leadership in policy analysis from Albany State University.
His career included academic and administrative roles at SUNY Canton, SUNY Morrisville, Empire State College, Chapman College and Syracuse University. Following his tenure in higher education, he founded Seven Pines Consulting Group, LLC. in Manlius. He helped local and national businesses achieve organizational efficiency and operational excellence. His career was reflective of his insatiable pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, self-concept and development.
Phil lived his life to the fullest and was often found cruising Cazenovia Lake with friends or spending time at Vanderbilt Beach, Naples. He put his family first before anyone and anything. His love for them was immeasurable as their love for him. He spent any free moments he had with his grandchildren, fishing, building tree forts and zip lines for their enjoyment and spending quality time with them.
He gave love and friendship generously and unconditionally to all he knew. He valued time spent with the ones he loved so dearly and moved mountains to make sure everyone was together and well taken care of at all times. His siblings meant the world to him and he took every opportunity he had to have them all together to celebrate life.
He loved ideas and deep conversations about the mysteries of the universe. He had an undeniable spiritual side to him, finding connections to a higher consciousness in nature, especially at Highland Forest and Soft Maple.
He will be so greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. He made a mark on this earth that will be remembered for lifetimes to come. His personal and professional legacy will live on through the relationships he built and nurtured. Phil’s personal interest in each individual he encountered was genuine and his willingness to stay connected and supportive was unique, distinctive and powerful beyond words.
In memory of Phil donations can be made to Caz Cares, cacares.org.
