1932 – 2016

JAY — Philip K. Miess, 83, of Jay went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 10, surrounded by his loving family.

Philip was born June 17, 1932, a son of William and Viola (Dodge) Miess. As one of 13 children, he grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., and helped support his family by going to work at a young age. Phil later became ordained through the Elim Fellowship Bible School. On April 10, 1954, he married Mary Ann Vaccarelli in Rochester, N.Y.

Aside from his family, one of Phil’s biggest passions in life was spreading the word of God. Phil served as a minister in Rochester, N.Y., Pittsford, N.Y., and Florham Park, N.J. His work also included jail ministry, preaching at open door missions, working with Teen Challenge of New Jersey and Maine, and countless other groups that he supported. He and Mary shared a welcoming home, where their doors were always open; their home was a refuge for many individuals. Phil had a way of connecting with people through his messages of God and he truly cared for those he came to know. Bringing people together and spreading peace and love were his life’s work.

After Phil’s retirement, he worked as the head custodian at Brooklake Elementary School in Parsippany, N.J. In 2005, Phil and Mary moved to Maine where he became an active member at Emmanuel Assembly of God in Livermore Falls. He enjoyed gardening and puttering outside; above all, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Miess of Jay; children, Philip Miess and his wife, Teri, of Jay, Dale Miess and his wife, Natalie Mary, of Cedar Knolls, N.J., Dennis Miess of Sebago, Christina Shenise and her husband, Mark, of Chester, N.J., Michelle Solsky and her husband, Stanley, of Jay, and Daniel Miess and his companion, Kelly, of Concord, N.H.; siblings, Charlie Miess and his wife, Viva, of Florida, and Meta Davis and her husband, Dewey, of California; grandchildren, Philip, Laura, Katie, Erin, Kristy, Jaime, Megan, Ashley, Emily, Katelyn, Danielle, John, Denine, Jason and Bethany; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, William, Paul, John, Harriett, Daisey, Ruth, Viola, David, Robert and Walter.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting www.wilesrc.com.