Mr. Philip P. Nicklaus

November 21, 1930 - May 31, 2015

Philip Nicklaus, 84, of Cortland NY, passed away on May 31, 2015 at home with family. Phil was born in Syracuse, NY on November 21, 1930. After graduating from Manlius High School, where he captained the football, basketball and baseball teams, Phil served in the Navy during the Korean War. He then attended SUNY Cortland where he received his bachelor's degree in education, followed by his master's degree. Phil taught high school English for 34 years, first in Genoa and then in the Southern Cayuga school system, where he also coached basketball and tennis. Throughout his life, Phil maintained an active interest in reading, music, language, sports, and learning, and what we most loved in him was his curiosity and excitement in sharing knowledge. Young people were drawn to him, and he delighted both children and adults with his stories and sense of humor. His interactions with his grandchildren gave him much joy, and they loved their grandpa. Phil is survived by his wife of 57 years, R. Anne (Casey) Nicklaus; his children Philip Terence Nicklaus, Kathryn Ivins, Michelle McSherry, and James Nicklaus; his son-in-law Mathew McSherry; his grandchildren Sarah and Matthew Ivins, and Erin, Sean, Molly, and Paddy McSherry; his siblings Doris, Mildred, and Carol; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Philip was predeceased by his parents John and Myrtle Nicklaus, and siblings Margaret, Harry, and Lillian. The family will hold a private service in celebration of Philip's life. Donations may be made on Phil's behalf to Caring Community Hospice of Cortland, 11 Kennedy Parkway Cortland, NY 13045, to whom his family is most grateful for the care and support they provided over the past couple months. Arrangement are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, New York. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com