Philip Aziz Atiyeh, 77, of Avon, Connecticut, beloved husband of Elaine (Boutross) Atiyeh, died peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 2, in St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on Nov. 5, 1924, he was the son of the late Selma (Mallouk) and Aziz Atiyeh. He grew up in Brooklyn, attended Adelphi High School and was graduated cum laude from Princeton University's class of '46. Phil spent many happy summers at his family's country home in Milford, Pennsylvania, among the close-knit Lebanese community. After graduation, Phil joined his brother Fred, working in his father's family Oriental rug business, the renowned Atiyeh Brothers of New York City. In 1951, Phil married his childhood friend, Elaine. In 1956, he moved to Manhasset where he spent 28 years dedicated to providing for and raising his six children.

Phil's strong sense of civic service led him to leadership roles in numerous community organizations and professional associations from the 1960s until his retirement. He was the president of the Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations for two years and had also served as vice president and publicity chairman. Phil was a trustee of the Manhasset Public Library for six years and was on the Youth Center Advisory Committee for three years. He served as a trustee for the Village of Munsey Park and was later on the board of appeals. Phil was also on the board of governors of the Manhasset Republican Club. His longest service to the community was as president and later on the board of directors of the United Fund of Manhasset for 15 years. Phil also was involved for a number of years with the Oriental Rug Importers Association and the Haddad Foundation.

After retiring in 1984, he moved to Avon. Phil continued hi contribution to the community, serving on the Avon Library Board of Directors. His lifetime passion for duplicate bridge earned him the prestigious designation of Diamond Life Master. Throughout the years, he enjoyed many happy hours attending his numerous bridge clubs, where he was highly respected, with his countless friends and partners. Phil's kind and gentle manner will be greatly missed by many friends and especially by his family.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, Elaine, Phil is survived by his four sons, Phil and his wife Colleen of Cheshire, Connecticut; Tom and his wife Cindy of Simsbury, Connecticut; Bob and his wife Wendy of Enfield, Connecticut; and Chris of Avon, Connecticut; and his two daughters, Dianne Francis and her husband Steven of Glen Cove; and Jeanne McMahon and her husband Daniel of Newington, Connecticut; and his ten grandchildren: Clifford, Ashley, Kim, Lindsey, Katie, Kristine, Kelsie, Evan, Tom and Caitlin. He is also survived by his sister Esther Martin of North Wales, Pennsylvania, and was predeceased by his brother, Fred Atiyeh of Manhasset. The family requests that donation in his memory be made to Covenant House (an organization that helps wayward children), 346 West 17 Street, New York, NY 10011 or the Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Road, Avon, Connecticut 06001.