Edward “Rabbit” Phillips of Wendell, N.C., and formerly of Florida, N.Y., and Greenfield Park, N.Y., peacefully passed away in the arms of his family on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. He was 68.
The son of Susanna Evans, Herman Phillips and Peter Sienkwicz, Rabbit, as he preferred to be called, was born April 17, 1953, in Manhattan.
He was a 1971 graduate of the S.S. Seward High School and went on to become a member of the Olympic Gymnastics Team.
He was united in marriage to Lori Lesando on Oct. 17, 1998. They enjoyed antiquing and their auction business. They had just celebrated 23 years of marriage; 31 together. This union blessed them with three children and three grandchildren.
The last eight years of his life, Rabbit was a proud member of the Father Thomas Price Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of Hibernians in Raleigh, N.C.
Edward was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Sienkwicz and his niece Jillian Phillips. Aside from his beloved wife Lori, he will forever be cherished in the lives of his children: Keith (Julia) Phillips, Lacy (Panya) Mouangkhoua and Crystal Phillips; grandchildren Mia, Isabelle and Maddox; and siblings Phil, Betsy, Peter, Mary and Steven.
A memorial mass was held Nov. 18 at the Sacred Heart Church in Raleigh. A celebration of life followed at The Knights of Columbus Hall in Raleigh.
Local arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service (845-977-6127 or www.zmmemorials.com).