Obituary of Philip J. McEntee

Born in Jersey City, NJ on December 9, 1950, Phil resided in Ridgefield Park, NJ for most of his life.

He succumbed to the effects of Covid-19 on 4/30/2020 at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Phil spent the last 39 years with the love of his life-his wife Donna Rose-McEntee. They married in 1989. He also leaves behind his beloved daughter Daina Scheideler and his dear little dog Pixie-his constant companion.

Phil was a graduate of Ridgefield Park High School -1969 and FDU Alpha Delta Sigma-1973. Phil began a career in advertising with the Record.  He served as a volunteer Special Police Officer and found his calling. He was hired by the Ridgefield Park Police Department in 1978 and retired after 30 years as a decorated Sargeant and a Fatal Accident Investigator in charge of the Traffic Division.  Most recently Phil worked at the Ridgefield Park Youth Center. For many years Phil worked as a bouncer/bartender at infamous shore bars such as the Osprey, Leggett’s, The Royal Manor and Jimmy Byrne’s Sea Girt Inn.

Always a man of service, Phil gave countless hours to a long list of service organizations.

Phil served on the Board of Trustees and as President of the Ridgefield Park Public Library since 1993. He was a member/officer of PBA Local 86, PBA 600, Bergen County Traffic Officers Assoc., NJ Traffic Officers Assoc, Retired Traffic Officers Assoc, RPHS Alumni Foundation, Elks #1506, and K of C -Teaneck, to name a few.

Phil was a man of integrity and compassion- a big man with an even bigger heart. His gentle ways and friendly smile made him a most likeable guy. In typical Irish fashion Phil loved to tell a good story, which was always entertaining and often led to a newfound friend. Phil’s lifelong passion for music really shined when he picked up a guitar.  Music trivia was his forte and he also enjoyed putting together CD collections for his many friends.

Phil loved watching the Yankees, NY Giants and Rutgers football. But there was nothing he loved more than the Jersey Shore. Always happiest by the water, Phil, Donna and Daina spent many happy hours on their boat-Tidal 39 II- enjoying the waters of the Metedeconk River & Barnegat Bay, the breathtaking sunsets and the company of many friends on D-Dock.

Phil leaves behind his brother Joseph (Carol) McEntee, sister Susan Conover, brother-in law Edward (Cathy) Rose and sister -in- law Sherry (Pete) Engh as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and too many friends to count. He is predeceased by his Father Joseph Sr., Mother Susan and sister Barbara Minehan.

Arrangements will be handled by Vorhees-Ingwersen Funeral Home-Private cremation.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life to be held in the future.

If you would like to make a donation in Phil’s honor, please consider supporting the Ridgefield Park Public Library 107 Cedar Street or St. Francis Food Pantry, 114 Mt Vernon St., Ridgefield Park.

Since there can be no funeral due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family would appreciate it if you would help them reminisce by sharing any stories, anecdotes, photos or special memories of Phil. They can be sent to: drosemcentee@gmail.com