ARLINGTON, VA – Philip L. Foote, 88, formerly of Albany, died Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in Arlington, VA. Mr. Foote was born in Cortland, NY, but lived most of his life in Albany. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theatre. After the war he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of the marching band for four years, and then a master’s degree from the College of St. Rose. For many years he led his own band, the Phil Foote Band, and was a local favorite at area school proms, country clubs and weddings. He also played for many summers at the Sagamore Hotel in Bolton Landing, NY on Lake George, and over the years played accompaniment for Bob Hope, Jerry Vale, Connie Francis, and Anthony Newley. He also was a music teacher at West Winfield Middle School, Lisha Kill Middle School, Colonie High School, Bishop Maginn High School, and Christian Brothers Academy. He was a communicant of the former Holy Cross Church in Albany, and Blessed Sacrament Church, Bolton Landing.
Mr. Foote was predeceased by his wife Freida B. Foote in 2005. He is survived by his daughter Mary Jo Foote Arzpaima (Saheb Arzpaima) of Fairfax, VA; his son Philip E. Foote (Katherine) of Albany; his sister Regis Crowley of Lakeland, FL; and his grandchildren Dina and Philip Arzpaima, and P. Michael Foote. He was predeceased by his brother Bradley Foote.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday morning at 8:45, and from there to All Saints Catholic Church (formerly St. Margaret Mary’s Church), Homestead St., Albany at 9:30. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CBA Music Parents & Friends Association, 12 Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12205. The family would like to thank the staff of the Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center of Alexandria, VA, and Dr. Amy Nobu and her staff for the care they gave Mr. Foote, and thanks to the Old Ebbitt Grill of Washington, DC for many years of memories. To leave a message of condolence for the family, view or print a prayer card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Dolores (McManus) Wines
My Condolences to The family of Phil Foote.
In the 1950″s, Mr. Foote, as he was known to us at that time, taught at Waterville Central School. He directed me in many concerts, competitions and was liaison to a private voice coach for me. He was not only my, but the schools inspiration for the love of music. Because of him I have enjoyed sharing my voice with, Chorals, solo work, churches, and much more.
I am truly honored to have known Him.
Deb Catalfamo Riitano
My sympathy to the family of Mr. Foote–
Mr. Foote was my music teacher at Lisha Kill Jr. High. He was that gentle soul who taught us about the magic of music–the ability to let it seep into your soul so that it could transport you to another space and time. The music teachers at Lisha Kill Jr. High were a rare breed–they were collegial with eachother and made each of us think that we had the ability to be the next artist of the day. Thank you Mr. Foote for all that you and your colleagues gave to us–All of that was almost 50 years ago for me but I remember it as if it were yesterday.
Kathleen (Burns) Wilhelm
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Phil Foote.
I graduated from Colonie High in 1971 and remember when we were in study hall if anyone got caught chewing gum, which was totally against the rules, they would always have to stand up and repeat after Mr. Foote his famous saying. They then had to write it 100 times and turn it in to him the next time they had study hall with him. I would always laugh to myself because the kids thought it was a joke until they had to do it.
Here it goes:
The gum chewing kid and the cud chewing cow are some what a like yet different some how, Ah yes I see it all now, the intelligent look on the face of the cow!
Rest in peace Mr. Foote.
mary flynn
To the Family of Phil Foote-
I offer my deepest condolences. I was a Special Events Manager for Filene’s Department stores in Boston, and hired Phil to play for many major grand openings of stores in Crossgates Mall, Pittsfield, Schenectady, and more places than I can count. I just loved the guy. He was so great to work with — and what great music he could get from that piano!
I was just thinking about Phil today — because I hadn’t heard from him in a while. I decided to google him, and sadly found his recent obituary. At the time, I was listening to Diana Krall singing “Dancing in the Dark” which was always my special request song for Phil when he played at our events. Sometimes Phil would see me walking across the selling floor and would just start playing it. it always made me smile. Of course, I will always think of Phil when I hear that song.
Please know how warmly his memory will be kept by those of us who knew him. Phil Foote was a great man and and class act — Rest in Peace, Phil, you are sorely missed.
Mary Flynn
Bloomingdale’s
Boston, MA