Obituary of Phillip J. Sidney

Phillip James Sidney passed away after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Penn Yan, NY at the age of 73.

Born in Owasso, Michigan, Phil was the son of Allan and Cecilia Dutcher Sidney. He earned a dual degree in Humanities and Computer Science from the University of South Florida in Tampa, setting the stage for a long and successful career in the high tech industry. He retired in 2019 in Beaverton, OR from Intel as Program Manager.

Phil married Mary McNeff, on October 1, 1983 in Mishawaka, Indiana. They shared more than four decades of life's adventures together and devotion to each other and their family.

A true Renaissance man, Phil had a lifelong love of music—especially the guitar—and a deep connection to the natural world. He found joy in hiking, camping, star gazing, canoeing, and skiing. It was through Ski Club that he met Mary, and the two quickly formed a deep and lasting bond. Phil later shared his love of the outdoors with their daughter, Molly, through countless adventures in nature.

Phil was also a dedicated amateur genealogist, an enthusiastic photographer, and, in his younger years, a competitor on the basketball court. In later life, he embraced new experiences with joy and spirit—including five unforgettable years attending Burning Man with his daughter. He generally lived a life marked by curiosity and integrity, and he always put his family first.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Cecilia Dutcher Sidney; his son, James Phillip Sidney; his brother, Elliott Sidney; and his sisters, Margaret Sidney Merryfield and Barbara Sidney-Douglas.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; daughter, Molly; son-in-law, Jon Pack; and twin granddaughters, Riley Imogene and Cecilia Althea Pack. He is also survived by his brother, Allan Sidney Jr., and sister, Mary Isabelle Sidney, as well as many other family and friends who will miss his warmth and wisdom.

An inurnment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, IN on August 29, 2025. A celebration of life will follow on August 30 at Camp Tannadoonah in Vandalia, MI.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a tribute gift be made to the National Parks Foundation at nationalparks.org/give or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org/donate.