HAMPDEN – Philip “Phil” T. “Tut” Clukey 87, died peacefully Aug. 31, 2006, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer, at Bangor health care facility. He was born June 4, 1919, in Dexter, the son of Clifford and Elise Clukey. Phil served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific with the 103rd Infantry from 1941 to 1945, as messenger center chief. He was a life member of Whitcomb-Baker VFW Post No. 4633, Hampden and held many offices at local, district and state levels. For many years he was state chairman of the Voice of Democracy program. One of his greatest enjoyments in his retirement years was speaking to students at Coles Museum in Bangor regarding his experiences in the service as well as his time volunteering at the Veterans’ Home. Phil attended Maine School of Commerce, now Husson College, upon his return from the service. He went to work for Wights Sporting Goods in 1946, later becoming a partner. He traveled throughout the state for Wights for many years as a salesman of athletic equipment to schools. He was a member of the Hampden Country Club and made many friends there. He enjoyed every kind of sport and was an avid fan of the Red Sox, never missing a game on TV. Phil is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Dorothy; son, Bruce of Hampden; daughter, Susan Milligan and husband, Jeffrey, of Skowhegan; son, Scott and wife, Cheryl, of Winterport; grandchildren, Anthony Clukey and wife, Sara, Rachel Clukey, Katye Milligan and Patrick Milligan; great-grandson, Evan Clukey; and many nieces and nephews. Phil was predeceased by his parents; his brother, James Alton; and sisters, Phyllis Belmont, Joyce Webber and Eugenia Christiano. The family expresses their appreciation for the care and concern given to Phil by the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home during his illness. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, where at 7 p.m. the officers and members of the Whitcomb-Baker Post VFW will offer an evening memorial service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4, at St. Matthews Catholic Church, Hampden with the Rev. Robert Vaillancourt pastor, celebrant. Family and friends are invited to share a light luncheon and a continued time of remembrance immediately after the service at the VFW Post Home, Canoe Club Road, Hampden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home Activity Fund, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared at www.hampdengilpatrick.com
PHILIP T. CLUKEY
