Philip Y. Zaichuk, aka Phil Fingerz, 72, of Milford, CT and West Tisbury, MA joined the Great Spirit on June 17, 2022. Phil is predeceased by his father, Edward J. Zaichuk, mother, Norma Zaichuk, and sister, Georgia Jarvis. Phil was born in New Haven, CT, schooled in Hamden, and vacationed in Old Orchard Beach, ME, and Dennis, MA as a child.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Stocker, of 31 years, his niece Kristen Coff Ciuffreda and husband Lee of Naples, FL, his nephew Chip Coff and wife Elena Dondero of Newtown, PA, nephews Phil Stocker and husband Rob Richardson of Portland, ME, Michael Stocker of Enterprise, AL, Drew Stocker of North Kingstown, RI, and brothers in law Tom Stocker, skipper of Mojo, and Carl Stocker of New Milford, PA. Also, grandniece Caroline Haines Gendron and family of Fort Meyers, FL, grandnephew Grant Weinreich of Naples, FL, and cousin Rick Welch and wife Gini of Stonington, CT
Phil was an educator, artist, and musician. He received his higher education at SCSU, then worked as an art teacher in New Haven, a before he became a special educator for the State of CT until his retirement. Phil had an art studio at the Daggett Street Artworks, was a musician and song writer, and was active in New Haven's punk rock scene in the 1980's. He was in the Subdudes, Corporation Lounge, the Urge, Earl's Watch, Phil Fingerz Band, the Butterheads, Joey and The Bum, Johnson Building Band and more recently One Guitar — One Bum. Phil loved to perform and engage his audiences. He recorded several original songs, appeared on vinyl and film, and was an exhibiting visual artist.
Phil and Elizabeth were soulmates and met in the mid 70's. They traveled extensively in the Caribbean and returned year after year to Virgin Gorda, BVI. They finally planted roots at Point Beach in Milford, and Martha's Vineyard. Phil leaves an extensive network of friends, musicians, and family.
In lieu of flowers an endowment in Phil's memory for music education has been set up at the Milford Arts Council. Donations may be made to the Milford Fine Arts Council, Inc. Endowment Fund and sent to MAC at 40 Railroad Ave. S, Milford, CT 06460. A musical tribute is also being organized and will be announced shortly.
Phil has been a best friend since high school and I will miss him dearly. He brought out the silly in me and many others, he was a joy to be with and I was fortunate to have him in my life. He was a lover of life and his family and friends meant the world to him. His passion for music never ceased and we were enjoying his shows right up until covid began. Phil we were supposed to grow old together until we started drooling on ourselves! Rest in peace my dear friend, I love you and I will take care of LIzzy for us. God be with.
I had the pleaser of meeting Phil in the early 80"s, we played together in Corporation Lounge. Never in my life did i meet such colorful person, he was very funny and smart and a all around great guy. Im glad i had the oportunity to call him my friend...Phil...RIP.
My long time friend and former band mate in 2 of the bands listed above. Many of Phils on stage antics and comments will forever be etched in my memory as he electrified audiences. We did alot of gigs together and he was always a positive spirit, always. I was sad to hear of his passing but he did have a good life, he loved life, he loved music, he loved his Lizzy. God blessed you Phil, I'll see you again my brother, on the other side. Dan Foster