Philip T. Huchro

Philip T. Huchro passed away October 10, 2023, surrounded by his family and dear friend George Daley. Phil was born in Cheever, Moriah on October 1, 1942 to Doris and John Huchro and was one of four brothers.

He attended Port Henry High School where he lettered in both basketball and football. He enjoyed his time spent there and had many stories and fond memories. He then attended trade school near Albany NY where he would start his career as a mechanic specializing in heavy equipment. During this period he served two tours in the United States Army in Korea and was awarded several medals including a Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service Award , and marksmanship medals in both rifle and bayonet. He never spoke much about his time there however he was extremely proud and patriotic of his fellow servicemen and all they gave during that time. That patriotism continued on throughout his life and he was solid in his belief that freedom is not free.

He came home and went to work for International Paper Company as a Woodward repairman and heavy equipment mechanic. Some of his favorite years there were working with his boss Mike Lemza and later retired after nearly 40 years.

After retirement he purchased a dump truck and backhoe and with the help of good friend Gary Rancour was constantly doing projects for friends and neighbors.

He was employed as a Village police officer for nearly 13 years working 3 to 11 after getting home from his day job at IP. A proud member of the Port Henry Fire Department for over 50 yrs and later of the Moriah Ambulance squad, he believed in community and was always willing to help in any way he could. I never remember him saying no to anyone who asked for help.

An avid hunter and fisherman he as a youth hunted with his Dad and family in the North Hudson/ Sharp Ridge area then later in Newcomb and Tahawus area with his wife Johanne and daughter Heather. He loved spending summers on the lake fishing in his boat and winters snowmobiling and ice fishing with his daughter and Dan Yando whom he grew to love and appreciate although he always reminded Dan " he didn't pick him"

He also enjoyed volunteering as a Hunter Safety Instructor for over 50 yrs where he taught rifle and bow class with Charlie Kolodzey, Tom Barber, Dennis Mullen and his wife Johanne and daughter Heather. He retired from that as a Master Instructor and never regretted any of the time required to help hundreds of kids and first-time hunters learn about the sport he loved. 

His love of dogs was known by all and always had a black lab starting with Mongoose, then Blackie, and then Marley at his side for over 20 years. He could usually be seen down at the beach with them enjoying the lake he loved. That love opened a bit more to include his daughters rottweilers with a special place for Pickles , Jezzabel and finally 99....pictures of him and the dogs sitting in the recliner watching TV graced Facebook for many years always showing how much they loved each other . P.S. Dad Marley and 99 are missing you terribly and say they " Wuff " you.

He was " old school" and believed a handshake and someone's word meant something. He believed in helping those who needed it ,hard work and honesty. He and his wife Johanne ran a snowplow business with over 200 driveways both private and business..the elderly were always done first...

Throughout his life he enjoyed helping people and never wanted to leave the town he grew up in. He enjoyed everything about this area and was always happiest in the woods or on the lake 

He is the last of four gentlemen himself, Lester Daby, John Sweet, and Turk Boyle  who were known for their ethics ,antics , and general good Ole boy hellraiser personalities.....they are together now and Heaven will never be the same with those four on the loose. 

Phil is predeceased by his wife Johanne Huchro, his mother Doris Thomas Huchro, his father John Huchro, and his brother Jack Huchro. He is survived by his daughter Heather and companion Dan Yando; his brother Jerry and wife Deborah, brother Martin and wife Kathy; nephews Chris, Mike, Mathew, Chris, Ryan and niece Hannah.

To say he will be missed seems insufficient...his type of person is a dying breed they may not say a lot but their actions proved what type of men they were. You always knew where you stood . He touched the lives of so many in so many ways either through community service or as a friend ....life is not about the number of breaths you take but about the number of moments that take your breath away . Thank you dad for the countless moments you gave me ..being the best Dad a girl could ask for .