Philip G. Liska
August 19, 1946 – September 13, 2025
A long road home, Philip G. Liska finished his journey on September 13, 2025, where he was reunited with his father. At last, exchanging the breath of life for eternal peace.
Born August 19, 1946, in Ballston Spa, Philip’s life was both simple and complex. Growing up in Saratoga, he was a St. Peter’s Academy graduate. He developed a passion for construction while working alongside his father Alex in the Saratoga Springs area, ultimately building several of his own homes independently. He eventually became a carpenter for General Electric in Schenectady where he worked for 37 years.
Marrying his wife Virginia (Jones) in 1971, the couple lived in the Saratoga/Galway/Ballston Spa area their entire marriage, having one daughter, Chrissy and one grandchild, Megan. An only child himself, Philip, was predeceased by his mother, Virigina Wilkins, and his father, Alex Liska, who he missed tremendously.
Philip was an amazing provider, protector, and a valuable influence, teaching lessons that could never be learned otherwise. Although he was unable to find much joy in his lifetime, there were moments that lit him up. He found comfort and loyalty within his wife, loved working with his hands, particularly building and using a hammer. He found solace in classic cars, enjoyed nature and fishing, and loved reading about the Civil War and the Alamo. On good days, his humor and sarcasm could fill a room, and his deepest passion was tinkering in the garage listening to the Rolling Stones. With hair like Elvis, the swagger of Mick Jagger, and a lifetime wardrobe of Johnny Cash black, he carried his own kind of style and spirit.
We release him with love for the good moments we shared and love for the lessons that came through our hardships. We pray you rest now, Philip. May you find peace as you reunite with your “people” in a place where there are no more battles to fight.
The family would like to thank all the special people who helped through this process by sitting at bedside, helping to do healing work to help his transition, providing care, support, or a simple check-in.
A special thank you to the Wesley staff that were able to see through his disease and connect with him on a deeper level, and to Heather and Lisa from Community Hospice who provided invaluable support for Philip and the family during his final days.
Services will be held at a later date.
Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
