Northport mourns the loss of beloved resident and historical society board member Philip Ingerman

Philip Ingerman of Northport died peacefully on August 26 after a long battle with cancer; he was 72 years old. Ingerman served on the Northport Historical Society’s board of directors for nine years in several capacities. “He was our ‘go to’ person regarding government, grants, parliamentary procedure, by-laws, policies and procedures,” said Suzanne McGuire, current president of the board. “Philip was always ready to listen, to help advise with his thoughtful, keen intellect. All of his fellow trustees, and the Historical Society staff, speak of his kindness and his caring. He was a gentleman, and will be greatly missed.”

Ingerman was a devoted life partner to the late Joyce Spencer. The couple was together for 38 years and Ingerman forged deep bonds with Spencer’s children during that time. He cherished his role as a grandfather to five: “They recall summers around his pool, day trips to Broadway shows, the Fireman’s Fair, poker games around the kitchen table, and fresh blueberry pancakes,” reads Ingerman’s obituary. Ingerman was also a great-grandfather to two, and a beloved brother and uncle. “Everything he did he succeeded at,” his brother Steven said. “His siblings admired his accomplishments.”

Ingerman’s family settled in Northport in the 1900s. His grandfather, Abraham Ingerman, was a tailor who raised his family on Main Street. His father, Percy, was a noted attorney who founded the Ingerman Smith law firm, and his aunt and uncle ran the Ingerman’s department store on Main Street. One of his ancestors on his mother’s side was Stanley Howard Lowndes, the so-called “Oyster Baron,” who owned a big house on Bayview Avenue. Beyond his work at the Northport Historical Society, Ingerman dedicated his career to serving local municipalities. For 24 years, he served as chief of staff to James Lack, former state senator for the 2nd district, who described Ingerman as “brilliant.” “He handled thousands of constituent inquiries in every facet of government involvement,” Lack said.

Ingerman also worked for the Town of Huntington as assistant deputy supervisor for intergovernmental relations, a position he held for 16 years until his retirement in 2020. “Phil [was] always there for me and the people of Huntington,” said Frank Petrone, Huntington town supervisor during Ingerman’s tenure. “Phil … was talented in his ability to resolve individual and neighborhood concerns. He was able, with his gentle approach, to calm a situation and bring an issue to mutual consensus.”

Ingerman was an avid golfer, humbled about his low single-digit handicap. His other interests included entertaining around the pool in his well-maintained yard, lively intellectual conversation about almost all topics, woodworking and other craftsmanship, symphony at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, season theater tickets in New York City and at the Engeman Theater in Northport, and participating in his weekly book clubs. He formed deep friendships wherever he became involved. Those many friends, who remained loyal and helpful throughout his trials, brought great joy and meaning to his life.

A memorial will be held for Philip Ingerman at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made directly to Northport Historical Society. You can use this form to make a donation in his memory.