Philip L. Foote

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.