He was the age of 96 when he died at a board and care facility in Laguna Hills, CA on Tuesday January 13th, 2015.

Born August 8th, 1918 in NYC, NY to Jose and Josefa Otero Lugris. Attended Textile High School in NYC until the death of his father when he left high school to help support his mother and 8 siblings by working as a waiter for the NY Times, attending to the editors. Also other waiter service jobs at many famous restaurants at that time.

Enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and served in the states and Europe until he was honorably discharged in 1946. On June 27th, 1943 he married Josephine "Jo" Trinca of Brooklyn, NY. They had 2 children. A son Jeffrey and a daughter Priscilla.

He worked for many years as a Maitre'd at some at some of the finest houses in NYC, Southampton, and Palm Beach including the fabled Toots Shor's in NYC. At the time of Pope Paul's visit to New York, the catering for the banquet held in honor of the Pope at the chancellory was done by Toots Shor with Phil in charge of the serving.

He was awarded the Papal Medal for helping make the Pope's visit a memorable one. Phil could tell stories by the hour about many notable people in all walks of life such as newscasters, athletes, journalists, politicians, actors and singers of stage, TV and screen just to mention a few. Starting at such a young age, his career became hi life's education. He absolutely loved his work.

He periodically was called to help out at Yankee Stadium when in 1967 he was offered a position as club manager for Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. He also worked as manager for the clubs at the USMC El Toro and Tustin Marine Bases.

He is survived by his daughter Priscilla Lugris McVey, grandson Wayne Lugris, granddaughters Amy Lugris and Katrina Jo McVey and four great-grandsons Philip, Zachary, Dylan and Jack.