Bus Operator John Phillip Lost to Virus

Flatbush Depot is in mourning over the loss of Bus Operator, John Phillip, 65, to the Coronavirus.  He had 15 years on the job and lived in Brooklyn.

Brother Phillip was an accomplished diver and fisherman.  Flatbush Chair Richard Thorn said that John “loved the the sea.  He loved to fish and loved to dive.  Every year he spent his vacation in the Caribbean, sailing between the islands and diving.  He had already planned out his vacation this year, but it’s not to be.”

Thorn said that he was “a nice, quiet guy.  He loved to work out during his swings.  That’s where you would find him, in the depot gym.”

Brother Phillip went out sick two weeks ago.  Thorn recalls speaking with him in the hospital last week.  He passed away on April 9, 2020. TAS Vice President JP Patafio said of Brother Phillip: “He was a really good person, loved life, was in great shape, and was respected in the depot.  He will be sorely missed.” Local 100 President Tony Utano extended his condolences to all at Flatbush Depot. “Each loss is felt throughout the union.  We can only hope that this scourge ends soon.”