<p>
<em>Phillip Thomas “Phil” Esposito</em> was born in Bronxville, NY, the son of Joan and Thomas Esposito and brother of Alyssa (Esposito) Craparo. From early childhood until the day he died, Phil set out to never cut corners, resolved to strive for the highest standards, and achieved success with the utmost deliberation, sincerity, and integrity. The strength of his character and authenticity remains embedded in many of his classmates to this day.</p>
<p>
Phil lived in the Bronx until he was eight years old, after which his family chose to move to Pearl River, NY. As a young child, Phil wanted to visit West Point almost every weekend. He had expressed an interest in the military at a young age. From that time on, he geared all his deeds and efforts toward his goal of entering the Academy. Phil joined Boy Scouts in the third grade and worked diligently to earn Eagle Scout. He was very proud of his achievements. In seventh grade, Phil decided that he wanted to go to Huntsville, AL to Space Camp. He mowed lawns and did odd jobs in the area in order to save his money for camp tuition. He excelled and loved the program so much, that he decided attend again the following year. Additionally, Phil was a camp counselor at Camp Bullowa in Stony Point, NY, volunteering for three summer years.</p>
<p>
Phil attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Nanuet, NY, where he graduated with honors. He proceeded to Albertus Magnus High School in Bardonia, NY, where he again graduated with honors. Phil was the captain of the track team for his last two years. Also, during this time, Phillip and his sister, Alyssa, became really close. He was her rock. Alyssa looked up to her brother for advice and helping her with tasks at school. Phillip was her mentor. After completing high school, he entered Valley Forge Military School, where he earned a congressional appointment from Senator Patrick Moynihan to attend United States Military Academy the following year.</p>
<p>
At the Academy, after spending two years in A-1, the rigorous “First Out” company, Phil served as a cadet first sergeant and company commander in H-2. He dedicated himself to his studies, especially immersing himself in military science, history, and the social sciences. Phil participated on his company’s Sandhurst team and joined the Academy Orienteering Club team. He was a hardworking and thoughtful cadet but, like most cadets, kept a good sense of humor to dull the pangs of stress incurred as part of cadet life. Since he lived so close to the Academy, Phil always invited classmates home for holidays, Army-Navy games, and weekends off. Friends from all over the country felt like they had become part of a big Italian-American family from New York by the end of their four years. Phil graduated from West Point in May 1997, entering active Army service as a second lieutenant in the Armor Branch.</p>
<p>
Upon graduation, Phil attended training at Fort Knox, KY, followed by an assignment to his first tank battalion at Fort Hood, TX. He served with distinction in several leadership positions in the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor before leaving active duty in 2000. Also during this time, Phil reconnected with his grammar school classmate, Siobhan (McMahon) Esposito. They married at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on June 9, 2001 and happily resided in Suffern, NY. In October 2003, Madeline Rose Esposito was born. Phil not only married the love of his life, he also had a beautiful daughter who would consistently sent him over the moon with joy. When Madeline was born, Phil never stopped smiling. He was a wonderful husband and father to both of his true loves. Family was everything to Phil.</p>
<p>
After leaving active duty, Phil was employed as project manager of Solomon Smith Barney prior to September 11, 2001. Phil then returned to active duty to support the National Guard efforts in New York City. Following this activation, Phil was transferred to the storied 42nd Infantry Division (Rainbow Division) at Fort Drum, NY, where he served as company commander in the 101st Cavalry, New York National Guard. In November 2004, Phil deployed as the Rainbow Division Headquarters company commander, stationed at Forward Operating Base “Danger” in Tikrit, Iraq. While serving in Iraq, Phil was tragically killed leading the soldiers he deeply cared about and loved.</p>
<p>
Since his passing, Captain Esposito Scholarships are awarded each year to two St. Anthony’s students who, like Phil, exemplify good citizenship, love of God, love of family, and love of country. His legacy is remembered as being a man who stood for all that what was right and gave the ultimate sacrifice. There are numerous memorials to Phil in Rockland County, to include the flagpole at St. Anthony’s Grammar School, a Boy Scout Memorial monument in Nanuet Tennyson Park, and a memorial stone in Stony Point honoring Phil and all Rockland County residents who lost their lives in Iraq. Every Memorial Day, the Lion’s Club in Tappan, NY conducts a service to honor Phil and all Rockland County service members.</p>
<p>
To those who knew him closely, Phil was a loyal and sincere friend that others looked up to as an example of integrity and perseverance. Through his serious, yet easygoing nature, he was able to simultaneously inspire admiration and elicit laughter. The loss of Phil deeply saddens his family, his friends, his classmates, and all who cherished his comradery. Phil is one of the best of the Long Gray Line. This memorial article is intended to keep his spirit alive within us and ever present in our lives.</p>