Philip Schatzle

Philip Louis Schatzle

1934-2020

Cold Spring, New York – Philip Louis Schatzle, 86, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was born and raised in Nelsonville and settled in Cold Spring with his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret J. McKenna Schatzle.  He was the son of Mary (Nevins) and Francis Schatzle.

Philip was a Haldane graduate who excelled academically, musically, and athletically.   He graduated from Albany State with a bachelor’s in science education, a masters from Teacher’s College and administration degree from New Paltz University.  Phil was a dedicated school teacher, tennis Coach, and had a positive influence on many student’s lives. He taught for 38 years as a Chemistry teacher at Briarcliff High School and was a role model to his students. He was an innovative teacher,  made learning fun. His students nicknamed him “King Philip”.  In 1991, Phil received the NY State Teacher of the Year Award.  When he retired, he continued to be dedicated to his students by being on the board of the Briarcliff High School Alumni Committee, honoring former graduates.

Philip served in the United States Army.  He was very patriotic and was an active member of the local American Legion and VFW he Commander of the Veteran’s Foreign of Wars for over 10 years.

Phil was honored by Senator Serino and was inducted into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. He always looked forward to visiting the veterans at the veteran’s hospital, selling poppies, planning the town’s Memorial Day Parade and sending packages to active duty soldiers and veterans during Christmas and inspiring Haldane students to be a part of the Voice of Democracy program.

Phil was a devout catholic and a parishioner of Our Lady of Loretto church where he was baptized, served as an altar boy, usher, CCD teacher and member of the Knights of Columbus.

Phil loved his community. He was the president of the Philipstown Seniors for over 7 years. He was the president of the senior’s citizens for many years and AARP driver’s education teacher and Cub Scout Master.

Phil had many interests. He was an avid tennis player, loved gardener, swimming, church services and loved his pets. He loved to play the piano and would play for the patients at Rosary Hill.  He would always try to bring joy to an event especially during Christmas. He would dress up as Santa for many parties and events.

Phil was loved by all and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for anyone. Phil loved his friends, family, had a great sense of humor He was often telling funny stories about growing up in Nelsonville and loved to tell his “Nelsonville Stories”. He lived life to its fullest!

Phil will always be remembered for his commitment to serving others, devotion to family and friends, generosity and being a role model for others to follow and to live a blessed and selfless life.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Margaret J. Schatzle (“Big Peg”) and his children, daughter, Suzanne M. Schatzle, son, Philip A. Schatzle and wife, Claudia Schatzle, and his daughter, Margaret Mary Schatzle “Little Peg”. His biggest delight was his granddaughter, Arielle Schatzle-Lhotan and will always be remembered as “Poppy”.

He is predeceased by his loving 4 brothers and sister-in-laws, Francis Schatzle (Ann Schatzle), Arnold Schatzle (Marilyn Schatzle), Edward Schatzle and Daniel Schatzle (MaryAnn Schatzle) who he missed dearly.

Lovingly remembered by his supportive brother-in-law and sister-in-law Packy and Betty-Ann Shields, cousin, Terry Lahey, childhood friends, Edward Englebride,  Ray Champlin and Jimmy Cone and many caring nieces,  nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews and his caretaker and angel on earth, Annmarie.

Phil touched the lives of many.  He will be sadly missed but forever in our hearts.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 4:00pm – 7:00 pm  at the Clinton Funeral Home, Inc. 21 Parrott Street, Cold Spring.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Loretto Church, Fair Street, Cold Spring, NY.Interment will follow in Cold Spring Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Phil’s honor may be made to the local American Legion/VFW c/o Tom Kivel 3501 Route 9 Apt E Cold Spring.

In observance of New York State guidelines, we will be limiting visitors to no more than 33% of our maximum capacity; A distance of at least 6 ft. must be maintained amongst all individuals inside our funeral home and acceptable face coverings must be worn while inside. We kindly ask after paying your respects, that you exit promptly so that we can continue to move guests in and out of the funeral home   In observance of New York State guidelines, we will be limiting visitors to no more than 33% of our maximum capacity; A distance of at least 6 ft. must be maintained amongst all individuals inside our funeral home and acceptable face coverings must be worn while inside. We kindly ask after paying your respects, that you exit promptly so that we can continue to move guests in and out of the funeral home

Please visit Phil’s Book of Memories at www.https://www.clintonfh.com.