Obituary of Phillip Simon Arensberg

Phillip Simon Arensberg, 73, of Siasconset, Mass., (Nantucket Island) died suddenly and peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His wife, Katherine Q. Murphy, and his son, Phillip H. Arensberg, were at his side when he died. Born in West Hempstead, Long Island, he lived in Albany after high school. Phillip attended Marietta College in Ohio for two years, and then graduated from Union College and Albany Law School. He was a respected attorney in Albany ultimately becoming the managing partner of McClung, Peters, and Simon. Upon his retirement he moved to 'Sconset where he had spent summers since 1974. He became an active and avid tennis player at the the Siasconset Casino where he could be found on the courts at least once a day; he loved the sport of tennis and cherished his many friendly rivalries. Later in his life he became a wonderful cook known for throwing marvelous dinner parties and serving tremendous red wine that was quite difficult to come by. When he made the move to 'Sconset, Phillip decided to add a dog or two to his household; thus began his love of Portuguese Water Dogs. While 'Sconset was always his "summer place" he traveled widely, spending winters in such diverse places as Florence, Italy, Scottsdale, Ariz., San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Barcelona, Spain, Paris, France and finally Boston. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Q. Murphy (Kit) of 'Sconset; his son, Phillip Arensberg of Seattle, Wash.; his brother, Richard Arensberg (Shirley) of Albany; other family members, and many friends. Phillip is also survived by Ava and Luca, his two beloved Portuguese Water Dogs. Per Phillip's wishes, his ashes will repose in the Columbarium of the Siasconset Union Chapel after a private interment. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a future date. Contributions in Phillip's memory may be made to the Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Inc., or to the 'Sconset Trust's Daffodil Planting Program at Sankaty Head.