Philip D. Dwyer, Sr.

Philip Daniel Dwyer, Sr. passed away August 14, 2020, at his home in Rutland VT after a brave battle with cancer. Born January 8, 1943, in Boston MA to John and Mary Dwyer. Phil grew up in South Boston. He graduated from South Boston High School and received his BA and MA degrees from Castleton University and St. Michael’s College, respectively.

Phil dedicated over 40 years to teaching, mostly at Otter Valley Union High School, where his tireless efforts to educate students in body, mind, and spirit both in the classroom and on playing fields earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues alike.

An avid reader of history, mystery, and suspense, he was an enthusiastic fan of all sports, especially his beloved Boston professional teams. He also encouraged local athletes for much of his life, attending youth sporting events in Rutland and beyond long after his own two sons’ sports careers had ended. For more than two decades, “Mr. D” and his late wife Martha helped operate the Raider Rooters concession booth at Rutland High School games, a fund-raising initiative they’d helped to found and whose work on its behalf was honored by the Rutland School Board.

Phil was co-owner with Martha of The Ginger Tree on North Main Street and was a famous wit and spinner of tales both true and invented. He lit up and lightened many days and lives.

Phil met his soul-mate Martha Marro at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston when she was in nursing school there; they married in 1966 and lived and raised their family in Martha’s native Rutland.

Phil was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish. He was pre-deceased by his wife Martha Marro Dwyer, his son Philip D Dwyer, Jr, and his brothers Jack and Robert Dwyer.

He is survived by his son Patrick Hogan Dwyer, daughter-in-law, Sarah Hart Dwyer, and granddaughter Eleanor Hogan Dwyer of Rutland; his granddaughter Harper Elizabeth Oliver of Jericho VT; his sisters Rosemary Darling of Quincy MA, Eleanor Barry (Eddy) of Hyannis MA, and Jane Rutstein (Jim) of Billerica, MA; his sisters-in-law Margaret Mickel of Mendon VT and Mary Jane Rotella (Guy) of Belmont MA; his brother-in-law James C Marro of Oakland CA; and his many nieces and nephews, including Mitzi Newton of Mendon VT and Meg Curry of Ossining NY.

Funeral Services for Phil Dwyer will be held on Tuesday August 25 ^th at 1pm, at  Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Donations in his memory may be made to the

Foley Cancer Center: https://donate.rrmc.org/give/248561/#!/donation/checkout

The Rutland VNA: https://www.vermontvisitingnurses.org/donate/

The Rutland Raider Rooter’s Booster Club: Kevin Markowski, 22 Stratton Rd Rutland VT 05701.

Arrangements are by the Clifford Funeral Home.