Philip Chapin Ingerman of Northport, a longserving former assistant deputy supervisor for the Town of Huntington, died Saturday. He was 72.
“Phil [was] always there for me and the people of Huntington,” said Frank Petrone, Huntington town supervisor during Phil’s tenure. “Phil … was talented in his ability to resolve individual and neighborhood concerns. He was able, with his gentle approach, to calm a situation and bring an issue to mutual consensus.”
He had also served as chief of staff to James L. Lack, former state senator for the 2nd District, who described Mr. Ingerman as “brilliant.” “He handled thousands of constituent inquiries in every facet of government involvement,” he said. “Wherever I went in the district people would thank me (meaning Phil) for solving their problem.”
“His many years with the New York State Senate helped him be a liaison and negotiate state projects and issues. “Phil was very knowledgeable, talented and solution oriented,” Petrone said.
A lifelong resident of Northport, he served on the board of the Northport Historical Society for nine years in several capacities. At the Historical Society, he approached his work with typical precision and focus, reworking bylaws, descriptions, and committees that helped lead the group on a path of organization and professionalism. “Civility,” “practicality” and “productivity” are words former president of the board Theodore Kaplan used to describe him.
“He was our ‘go to’ person regarding government, grants, parliamentary procedure, by-laws, policies and procedures,” said Suzanne McGuire, president of the board. “Philip was always ready to listen, to help advise with his thoughtful, keen intellect. All of his fellow trustees, and the Historical Society staff, speak of his kindness and his caring. He was a gentleman, and will be greatly missed.”
For 38 years he was a life partner to the late Joyce L. Spencer.
He supported many local causes for many years, including the Northport Visiting Nurses and Hospice.
Phil graduated magna cum laude from Bates College in Lewiston Maine. He worked briefly for the Office of the Suffolk County Executive as director of state government relations.
He leaves his brothers, Peter K. Ingerman of Locust Valley and New York City; David S. Ingerman of Chittenden, VT; and Steven L. Ingerman of New York City. Also, his life partner’s children: Anne I. Smyers of Reston, VA.; Janet S. Insolia of Dover, NH; and Robert S. Insolia of Bedford, NY; grandchildren: Kaitlan E. Allen, Jake A. Ford, Abby A. Legere, Julia R. Dary, and Hudson S. Insolia; nieces and nephew Helen, Carmen, Diana and Edward Ingerman; and two great grandchildren. He also leaves cousins Marcia Clark and Martha Glynn.
A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northport Historical Society would be appreciated.