Obituary: Phil Erff, Of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): Phil Erff, of West Haven, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2022 with his family by his side. He is survived by his children, Mary Ann (John) Lohrenz, Frank Ameden, Jennifer (Bradley) Doherty, John Thayer, and Coreena Baker along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father Joseph Erff Sr., mother Helen (Hendricks), brothers Joseph Erff Jr., Robert Erff Sr., George Erff, Frank Erff and sister Patty Eyler along with nephews Robert Erff Jr., John Erff, and Scott Erff, and granddaughter Felicia Baker, and great grandson Waylon Downey.

He appreciated everyone with the joy and love of the true Santa Claus and loved to make everyone laugh. He had a special affinity for children and people with special needs. It was hard to be in a bad mood with his awful dad jokes and puns.

Phil’s only goal was to make the world a better place, one person, one pin at a time. He was known for handing out smiley pins to those he encountered. His purpose was fulfilled if he succeeded in getting one person to smile!

A staunch supporter of Veteran's groups, Phil served proudly in the Navy on the USS Shangri La during Vietnam.

We will all miss him and his chair riding through town, pestering the folks at Dunkin Donuts and Prospect Beach House, listening to music at the beach, and being his normal (abnormal) quirky, stubborn, light-hearted self. He was so loved by his family, friends and his town of West Haven. Thank you for loving him and our family.

In keeping with Phil’s spirit, please perform a random act of kindness for someone. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VVA West Haven or Toys for Tots.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.