Philip D. Mills

MILLS - Phillip D. Proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, sadly passed away on June 30th 2022. He was surrounded by his loving family as he surrendered peacefully into our Lords arms. Son of the late Kenneth and Melda Mills; and stepmother Dolores; he was born on the 14th of August 1942 in Riddlesburg, PA, and later grew-up in the Riverside/ Blackrock neighborhood of Buffalo, NY. Before enlisting in the Marine Corps, he attended Riverside High School where he ran Cross Country and competed in the Golden Gloves as an amateur boxer. At the age of 17, Philip enlisted in the U.S.M.C. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Lance Corporal as a Combat Engineer in the 2nd Marine Division. He was proud of his time serving and cherished telling his loved ones about his time abroad. After retiring from Dunlop Tire Co. where he worked for over 30 years, and as Steward for the Local #135 URW., Philip began his second journey serving the U.S. Marine Corps and its Conrad F. Kania Detachment #230. Ever the proud marine, he was instrumental in the establishment and construction of the Marine Corps Memorial Monument in North Tonawanda, where he spent countless hours on the maintenance and services held there. For many years he would capture and embody the spirit of Christmas, playing Santa Claus for the Toys for Tots; always giving that little extra wink for the many children. Besides his love and commitment to The Marines, he was an avid outdoorsman, spending many hours in the woods, fields and lakes enjoying hunting and fishing. Especially with his wife and first mate Jean, fishing for that big one. Philip was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 57 years, Jean; sons, Philip and Tina (Cowles), Daniel and Oriana (Melee), Michael, and Steven; grandchildren, Hunter, Sarah, Talon, Jaeger; and great-grandson, Easton. His brother, Dennis, his wife Sharo; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and loving friends. He is predeceased by brothers, Kenneth, Richard, and Robert, who are awaiting him at Heavens Gate. Semper Fidelis, Marine. You will never be forgotten and always loved. No prior visitation. A military burial will be held on Thursday (July 14th) at 1 PM at the Western NY National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Rd., Corfu. Please meet at the cemetery entrance. Arrangements by LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel).