Philip H. Zalinger, Sr.with dignity and sense of humor intact, passed away on October 21, 2011 at his Hanover home in the loving care and company of his wife of 33 years, Carol E. Zalinger.

A charter member of the Greatest Generation, Phil was born December 18, 1919 and reached adolescence during the Great Depression. The lessons learned and principles absorbed in the 1930's resounded over the next eight decades and the values he acquired never wavered. After enlisting in the NY National Guard in 1939 Phil was on active duty at Ft. Devens, MA on December 7, 1941 when WWII began. He spent the next 4 1/2 years in the U.S. Army, including three years overseas providing security for the 398th Bomber Group.

Phil's lifelong affinity for automobiles - Buicks in particular - began in 1948 and continued through 1985 when he liquidated his interest in Zalinger Buick-Pontiac in Middletown, NY. A resident of Tenafly and River Vale NJ, Port Jervis and Middletown NY before settling in Hanover in 1992, Phil was practical and prudent but open and personable, always poised to express the teasing barb, the quick retort or voice his opinion, whether asked or not. His family, and friends acquired over the years, were indoctrinated early to his quick wit and sharp heckling and most learned to enjoy the sense of sport from which it arose. Conservative but not confrontational, Phil only teased those he enjoyed. Well into his 91st year the NYT crossword, email, letters to the Valley News editor, and even Facebook were regular pursuits.

Carol and Phil were married November 11, 1978 and their 33rd anniversary would have occurred on 11-11-11.

Together their blended family includes children: Philip Jr. and Ann Kennard Zalinger of Montpelier VT, Kathy Pace of Yarmouthport MA, Cindy and Garvis DiLauro of Clinton NY, and Andrew and Vicki Doule of Nazareth PA; grandchildren: Chris Zalinger and Cecilia of Denver CO, Justin Harder and Maureen of Natick MA, Elizabeth Young and Jonathan of Smiths Parish Bermuda, Timothy Zalinger of Missoula MT, Greta Heinz and Scott of Block Island RI, , Nicholas Pace and Lauren of Chalfont PA, and Alexis Pigott and Nate of Mechanicsburg PA, Ben, Grace and Josh Doule, Vanessa, Abigail and Quinn DiLauro; great grandchildren: Sofia and Sara Zalinger, Quinn, Noah and Lila Harder, Schuyler and Charlie Young, Finn and Reis Heinz. His devoted labrador, Brady, also survives his master.

Arrangements are with the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home. A service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire, P. O. Box 976 White River Junction, VT 05001 or online at vnavnh.org/donate.