LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Philip Terry Mascari – funny, devoted, loyal, opinionated, ornery, baseball loving, husband and friend, dad and grandpa – died on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014.

A New Yorker at heart, Phil was born on Oct. 1, 1955, in Canastota.

He was passionate about his Yankees baseball, actually shedding real tears upon the retirement of his beloved Rivera last year and Jeter this year.

Phil served in the Navy from 1974 to 1979 assigned to the USS Coral Sea, and after discharge remained in California, where he has lived the remainder of his life.

Phil married Linda Kelly on Dec. 23, 1978, and while their marriage ended seven years later, their union gave him the two most significant joys of his life, Anthony Mascari, age 35, and Becky Perez, age 31.

An avid outdoorsman, some of Phil's most precious memories are of camping with his son and daughter.

Phil's pride in his grandchildren was one of his defining features. Whether you were a passing acquaintance or a close friend, you would have no doubt of the unending devotion and adoration Phil felt for his grandsons – Ezekiel Perez, Isaac Perez, Xavier Perez, Logan Mascari and Brayden Mascari.

Watching his grandsons play baseball and participating in that experience is, without a doubt, a high point of his entire life.

The relocation of his daughter, Becky and her three sons in 2008 to Lake County, giving him the ability to participate in their lives on a daily basis, brought an almost indescribable happiness to his life.

Phil married his wife Shelly on Feb. 23, 2007, and theirs was a true love story.

Phil was quick to admit that he didn't actually “grow up” until his 40s, and applied all of his previous mistakes and lessons learned to devote himself to becoming a husband and friend that dreams are made of.

He adored his stepdaughter, Jade Holling, and took his role of loving father to her seriously, intent on providing guidance and support for her success in life.

Phil volunteered countless hours to the Middletown Cobb Little League, holding various positions over the years, and umpiring back-to-back games in the summer heat. He also volunteered many hours at Hidden Valley Community Church in various ministries and capacities.

For the last two years, Phil served as the sound engineer for local band, The Funky Dozen, bringing his usual determination to learning this new skill.

Phil worked as a high school counselor for nearly 20 years, and for the last five years he devoted himself to his work as a social worker for foster family agency, Environmental Alternatives.

Phil was determined to find the best possible support for each and every child who entered his program. He supported his families in every possible way, and there are Lake County children and families whose lives are forever changed due to his dedication and willingness to do every possible thing he could.

Phil loved camping, fishing, Dodge trucks, baseball, wood working in his man cave, building on and improving his home, baseball, classic rock music, watching his wife and daughter perform, good-natured bantering with anyone and everyone, watching his grandsons play sports, baseball, old “Law and Order” reruns, the “Bourne Identity” movies which he watched over and over, baseball, fanny packs (which his wife refused to let him wear), Friday date nights, baseball, golfing, giving thoughtful gifts, watching televised sports with his kids and grandsons, baseball, his dogs, big family dinners with everyone eating and laughing and baseball.

Phil was a big man with a big heart and a big personality. He defied all the odds by surviving over six months following his metastatic melanoma diagnosis in April 2014.

Despite indescribable pain and sickness, Phil continued to add to the deck on his home, support his wife, attend his grandsons' sporting events, travel and golf.

Phil was not finished living, and he inspired everyone in his life with his indomitable spirit of optimism and hope.

A memorial service for Phil will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Soper Reese Theatre, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.

His family will be wearing Yankees attire to honor him, and everyone is welcome to join us by wearing Yankees (or baseball) attire. He loved to harass his Giants-loving friends, so it wouldn't be right not to have a few of those in the crowd.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil Mascari's honor to the Middletown Cobb Little League toward the rebuilding of buildings that were burned by arsonists last year. Mail any contributions to MCLL, P.O. Box 1024, Middletown, CA 95461.

Following the service, a reception with a meal and a time of sharing and remembering for family and friends will be hosted at Hidden Valley Community Church, 18160 Spruce Grove Road Extension, Middletown.