Philip C. Hancock of Southampton Dies May 19

Philip C. Hancock of Southampton died on May 19. He was 77.

He was born on October 20, 1946, to Grace and Chester Hancock in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

He came to Long Island for college, and met the love of his life, Eileen Zarro, here in January 1966. It was love at first sight, his family said, and they were married on November 13, 1971.

He served in the U.S. Navy, and following his honorable discharge, the couple settled first in Hampton Bays, before moving to Southampton. They held hands every night and he told her how beautiful she is every single day.

They had three sons, Jason, David and Joseph Hancock. He was “the best dad in the world” and loved his boys unconditionally, his family said. To them, he was larger than life. He also had four grandchildren, who he doted on constantly: Brigham, Cadie, Camille and Henry Hancock. He loved nothing more than watching his grandchildren grow up, and was very proud of them.

He was a talented builder, whose meticulous work is evident in dozens of homes on the East End. He worked every day of his life out of his familiar white Chevy pickup, right up until the day he died.

He also enjoyed getting together with friends and family and cooked delicious meals for all, always made with care.

He enjoyed traveling and had just returned from a trip to Ireland with longtime friends Ernie and Marianne Preiato. On the day of his death, he was getting ready for a project at his family farmhouse in Connecticut, a place he had spent many childhood summers.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters Eleanor Ebbert, Sally Pepsny and Beth Hahn; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 22, from 4-8 p.m. at Scott-Rothwell Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Internment will follow at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.