John E. 'Spook' Phillipson, Sr., 95, of Toronto (Costonia), OH, passed away Friday, August 26, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.

John was born March 2, 1927, in Steubenville, OH, son of the late David and Clennie (Peoples) Phillipson.

He was retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel where he worked as a crane operator. He also worked for Rogers Trucking in Empire, OH.

John was a Veteran of the US Marine Corp. having served his country in WWII. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Toronto, and the Toronto American Legion Post #86.

John and his wife Cecelia founded the Fort Steuben Kennel Club. He was an AKC Registered Judge of Collies and Shelties.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his son, John E. Phillipson, Jr.; sisters, Margaret May Schultz, and Hazel Vein; brothers, Donald and Kenny Phillipson.

John leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Cecelia A. Cill (Keenan) Phillipson of home; son, William D. (Sandy Brown) of Richmond, OH; daughters, Jackie A. De Matteis of Canton, OH, Michele Shelly (Bob) Henry, and Kathi (Brian) Meadows both of Toronto; brother-in-law, Joe Vein of Steubenville; eleven grandchildren, Theresa, Colleen, Lauren, Michael, Alexis, Mandy, Bri, Shannan, Robbie, Mindy, and Desi; thirteen great-grandchildren, Mica, Jordan, Mitch, Livi, Camden, Luca, Brody, Clara, Gatlin, Alauna, Lil Robbie, John, and Adalynn; his faithful companion, his Collie Butchie and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation for John will be held Tuesday, August 30 from 3 pm to 6 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. A Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held Wednesday at 11 am at the St. Francis Church in Toronto with additional Visitation in the rear of the church from 10:15 am 11 am. Burial will follow in the Island Creek Cemetery in Toronto. Military Honors will be presented at the cemetery by the Toronto American Legion Honor Guard. www.jefosterfh.com

Services Visitation Tuesday August 30, 2022 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM J. E. Foster Funeral Homes 701 Findley St. Toronto, OH 43964 Visitation Wednesday August 31, 2022 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM St. Francis Catholic Church 409 Grant St. Toronto, OH 43964 Funeral Mass Wednesday August 31, 2022 11:00 AM St. Francis Catholic Church 409 Grant St. Toronto, OH 43964