Alphonse William Philippy, 93, of Kinnelon, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. Born and raised in Waconia, Minnesota, he joined the United States Coast Guard at age 20, serving aboard the USCGC Falgout, Koiner, and Northwind in frigid Arctic waters, and later in the Merchant Marine, traveling to Japan, India, and Ceylon.

After his service, Al settled in Seattle and began a 25-plus-year career in quality control, contributing to iconic projects including the Mayfield Dam, the World Trade Center, and the Seattle Space Needle. During these years, Al was blessed with his first two children, Andrea and Cory.

His work eventually led him to Seneca Falls, New York, where he met and married the love of his life, Virginia “Ginee” Owen Garvin, joyfully blending their families as he welcomed Meg and Glen into their now growing family. On the memorable date of 7/7/77, the family relocated to Kinnelon, New Jersey, and added the final member of the family with their daughter Ann. Al and Ginee continued to live in their Fayson Lakes home for almost 50 years.

His career culminated with an entrepreneurial endeavor, owning and operating Leisure Lawns, a lawn service company where his sons Cory and Glen often worked alongside him. He also devoted many years to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, including service as the troop’s Scoutmaster.

While Al was proud of his professional accomplishments, his deepest purpose was found in his faith. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was a devoted member of the Chapel of Lincoln Park for over 45 years. His faith guided every part of his life and led him on mission trips to Haiti, Honduras, and Romania.

Al had a true servant’s heart and gave generously of himself in countless ways, many of which only God knows. Even as his health declined, he viewed hospital visits as opportunities to share Jesus’ gift of salvation utilizing the Evangecube, a visual Gospel storytelling tool. He was also an active member of the Kinnelon Area Men’s Bible Study for more than 45 years.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Alphonse Philippy; his infant son William; siblings Harold, Basil, Delores Weinzierl, Lois Fox, and Rosemarie Sorensen; and his son-in-law, Ian Jarcho.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ginee; his children Andrea Murphy (Matt), Cory Philippy, Glen Garvin (Domenica), Meg Jackstadt (Mike), and Ann Jarcho; sister-in-law Ginny Philippy; and his sixteen cherished grandchildren: Tim and Kate Murphy; Tyler and Gianna Philippy; Lizzie Huaranga; Amanda, Keira, and Thomas Garvin; Isabella Gianluca, and Avellina de Fazio; Zachariah and Jacob DiRenzo; Bethaney Jackstadt; and Jordan and Nicholas Jarcho.

A Celebration Of Life will be held on January 17, 2026 at The Chapel, 264 Jacksonville Road, Lincoln Park, NJ at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to e3partners.org (the makers of the Evangecube).