Philip J. Krawczyk

Philip J. Krawczyk passed away on September 18, 2025 from cancer.

Phil was born in Schenectady on July 29, 1954 and was adopted by Philip Frank Krawczyk and Gertrude Symanski. Growing up, Phil loved playing basketball and would admit to anyone who asked, even into his 70s, that he used to be able to dunk the ball when he attended Linton High School. Not surprising, given that he stood at 6’7”. His friends remember him as loyal, funny, dependable, and always ready for a good time. Phil joined the U.S. Marines and served in Vietnam from 1972-1974. While he didn’t often talk about his deployment, he was proud to have served his country and often sported a Marines hat and would shout out the motto - “Semper Fi” - whenever he saw a fellow Marine.

At the time of his passing, Phil was 30 years sober. Through his adult life, he helped several other people with their sobriety and made lifelong connections and friendships as a result. He also spent many years working at the behavioral management property Conifer Park, as a maintenance man. He loved working with the people there, fixing things, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Phil was most proud of his three children - (“little”) Phil, Val, and Alison. He spent time taking them fishing and camping. Phil enjoyed playing golf and was hoping to get back on the golf course after his illness. He also was an avid movie and TV fan. Through their childhoods, Phil took his kids to the video rental store every Friday night and drive-ins on weekends in the summer, usually picking out a movie not suitable for children, like Nightmare on Elm Street or Killer Clowns from Outer Space.

Those who knew Phil will remember his sense of humor, which was often centered around pranks or gentle teasing. For instance, when little Phil and Val were kids, Phil would wear a werewolf mask to startle them. He had a youth-like energy and was always looking for fun - like when Alison would get a Happy Meal and Phil would open the toy to play with it first or going on the rides at Six Flags to experience the fun with his kids.

He never missed a dance recital, chorus performance, graduation, or other milestone in his kids’ lives. Now a grandfather, Phil showed up for his grandchildren in the same way by attending every birthday party, holiday, and event. He also would stop by to drop off small toys or treats for the grandkids while out running his errands and looked forward to also teaching them how to fish.

Phil is survived by his children Philip Krawczyk (Vicki), Valerie Santillo (Andrew), and Alison Krawczyk, as well as his grandchildren Avery and Evan Santillo. He is predeceased by his parents, Philip and Gertrude.

Memorial service details will be shared at a later date.