Obituary of Philip C. Lohre

Philip Clifton Lohre of Amsterdam, NY and Bulican, Philippines, passed away on February 6th, 2025 in Albany, NY after complications following heart surgery. Philip was born in Albany in 1964 to the late David and Beverly Lohre. He is also predeceased by his cousins: Charles Mirabile and Jonathan Phibbs. Phil's family spent their early years in Rennselear county, NY in Avril Park, and Nassau. Later they moved to the Town of Colonie in Albany County where he would reside until graduating from college. He received his bachelor's degree in 1987 and his Master of Art (MA) degree in 1993 from SUNY Albany in European History / Classics Roman History. He was a graduate of Shaker High School, Class of 1983. During his collage time he was in ROTC working for his commissioning the U.S. Army. His heart issue, however, prevented a military career. He did get to serve the State of New York in the NY Guard (State Defense Force) as a Second Lieutenant for a short time, before embarking on his overseas teaching career. An explorer of the world and different cultures, Phil spent his career working as a teacher in the USA and at international schools in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. He lived in the Philippines, Chengdu and Wujiang China, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait, Libya, Chechnia, and Serbia. He taught English as a second language and Global Studies. He travelled extensively. While working in Kuwait in 2005 he met his future wife, Maria Magdelana Geneblazo Baladad, and in 2009 they were married in the Episcopal church in Abu Dhabi. Maria was at Phil's side through most of their time together, teaching alongside or working at the same schools. Together they established a beautiful home in the Philippines. Maria and her family happily became the center of Phil's world. They enjoyed and lived life to the fullest together. Phil demonstrated his idealism at an early age where one of his first jobs after college was working as a VISTA volunteer at the Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority. VISTA, Volunteers in Service to America, was the precursor to Americorps and the domestic equivalent of the Peace Corps. While there, he worked tirelessly upon several anti-poverty initiatives aimed at guiding program participants towards economic self-sufficiency. Phil's optimism, perseverance and organizational skills left a positive mark on many. Throughout his life he maintained an active social conscience and believed strongly in community service and helping others. As a teenager in the Boy Scouts he earned his Eagle Scout. In the late 80s, he managed to find time to volunteer with Literacy Volunteers of NY, an experience which helped guide him towards a career in education. He had a great appreciation for the arts and visited many of the world's most famous museums throughout Europe and the US. He enjoyed architecture, music and painting, especially from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. While attending SUNY, he spent a summer in Serbia on an archeological dig excavating ruins from a Roman mining site near Stojnik. Philip was an active member of the Democratic Party in Schenectady County where he shared an apartment with his dear friends Jon and Bill. Service to others remained a lifelong passion that led him to become an educator. He and Maria shared that passion and were active members of the Episcopal church in the Persian Gulf region, the Philippines and the U.S., generously giving their time and donations to many charitable causes in the Philippines and the UAE. Since returning to the US in 2023 he and Maria have been active members of St George's congregation in Clifton Park and he enjoyed singing in the choir, and sharing fellowship with his friends in the church. He had a passion for history, especially classical and military history. He enjoyed playing historical strategy games with his family and friends. Many hours were spent "conquering" the world or seeing how historical battles may have turned out differently. He was a very patient and detail-oriented craftsman who excelled at building detailed plastic models, particularly WWII tanks and aircraft. He loved nature, camping, canoeing, backpacking and other outdoor activities. Through his childhood he had many expeditions with his father who was both a hunter and proud member of the NRA. He never lacked an opinion and loved to debate and expound upon the news of the day and world events. Phil had an enormous impact on people from around the globe. Condolences to his family have been pouring in from around the world. He enjoyed living in the Philippines with Maria and his family, where they would take trips to the beach, celebrate holidays and be with family and friends every day. He lived a full life and was loved by family and friends. He touched each and every person he met and will be greatly missed. Philip is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Maria, three step-children, and multiple grandchildren. Without children from their marriage, Phil considered Maria's children and grandchildren to be his as well. Their children: Jose' Mari Balada-Santos, Joern Larr Balada-Santos, Joseph Marie Baladad-Santos, and Beatriz Mar Baladad-Santos. Their Grandchildren: Joshane Marie P. Santos, Jimorizen Marion R. Santos, Fritz Drei S. Santos, Rajon Irvine I. Santos, Penelope Margret I. Santos, Jimmlerson Martin R. Santos, Joerraine Eliza R. Santos, Jann SantosLacerna and Reese Santos-Lacerna. He is also survived by his brothers, Marcus (Heidi) and James, two nieces: Rebekkah and Kira, and a nephew Chris. Cousins, Timothy Mirabile, Joseph Mirabile, Michael Mirabile, Diedre Koslowski (Phibbs) and Page Sasidek (Phibbs), as well as his Uncle David Phibbs. Services for Phil are to be announced.