This has been amended - please look through for changes and rally points


Alan R. “Bluesman” Philo, 63, of Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, July 24, 2010 at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 17, 1946 in Kingston, Alan was the son of the late Marvel L. and Alice (Oatridge) Philo.

Prior to his retirement in 2001, Al was employed for 30 years by the Phoenixville Area School District as a music teacher and elementary band director for the Schuylkill Elementary School.

Although he played many instruments, Al was an extraordinary guitar player and found great enjoyment in playing the guitar and singing along with his friends Lori, Eryn, Bill, Topper, and Mike.

Al had a passion for motorcycles and always enjoyed being out on the open road. For many years, Al was a member of the Harley Owners Group.

A long-time activist of the POW-MIA issue, Al helped to remind people that many of our soldiers have not yet come home from war through his membership in Rolling Thunder and The Friends of the Forgotten (original chapter and Northeast Wing).  The ever-present American Flag and Prisoner of War Flag that flew at his home and every where he went were constant reminders of his patriotism to our country.

Al served as the Assistant Coordinator for the Northeast PA Region of the Warriors’ Watch Riders, a motorcycle organization that dedicates itself to honoring our troops, both living and deceased. Al was a big supporter of our troops and through his membership in the Warriors’ Watch Riders, he welcomed our troops home with flag lines and escorts and also sent them off to their duty stations in the same way.

Al will forever be remembered for his calming, quiet, caring, stoic and vigilant demeanor. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched throughout his lifetime. Al will never be replaced.

Al is survived by an aunt; many cousins; his long-time friend and “brother”, Michael Jack, and his family; his many, many friends; and his faithful bulldog, Snort.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, with Pastor Paul Metzloff, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Kingston, officiating.

Interment will follow in Mount Greenwood Cemetery, Trucksville

Family and Friends are invited to call on Monday morning from 9 to 11 AM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the family of Mr. Alan M. Philo an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site http://www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Alan’s memory to the Al Philo Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Warren Frederick, Eight Pancoast Boulevard., Delran, New Jersey 08075 or to the National Alliance of Families, C/O Ms. Lynn O’Shea, P.O. Box 40327, Bellevue, Washington 98015.




We will have the flag line at the funeral home with an escort to the cemetery, which is not far away.

Since there will be many groups participating and so we may properly plan, please have a representative(s) contact me with wishes, questions, etc. so things may flow as smoothly and respectfully as possible.  Since I don't have contacts for all groups, please pass that word along.  Thank you for caring and cooperating.

This Funeral Director's only experience with bikers at a funeral was not a good one.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to honor our friend and show others our meaning of respect!

UPDATE:
In lieu of flowers for Al Philo, donations may be made to:

A music scholarship for children:
Al Philo Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Warren Frederick
Eight Pancoast Blvd.,
Delran, NJ 08075

or

National Alliance of Families
c/o Ms Lynn O’Shea
PO Box 40327
Bellevue, WA 98015-0327

I know some would like to stand honor guard by Al, you may.

I know a lot of you would probably like to share some story or opinion or something about Al.  I'm afraid if we do that during this service, we will never leave the building.

The FotF NE Wing has graciously arranged for and is providing a luncheon in a nearby park after we leave the cemetery.  The park is waiving their fee for the pavillion use.

When we arrive at the park and settled, I think that will be a great time to share stories with the entire group for a bit.  Then it's time for the good private stories and fellowship of friends before the long rides home.

If the Road Captain of each group would please contact me with an email address, I'd appreciate it.

Don’t hesitate to holler with any questions. thanx

SECONDARY RALLY POINTS and WEATHER

weather is looking iffy right now - PLEASE put safety and comfort above all else!  It's you who are important, not what you transport yourself in/on.

Anyone from Berks County and vicinity: Lengua will leave his residence @ 0600 for the I476 Allentown Rest Area (approx 1 hr to rest area). Please PM if you care to join him.

Cracker Barrel - Route 1 & Tpk Jeff will have a rally time of 0600 at the Cracker Barrel.
This time is for those wanting breakfast.     The KSU time will be 0630.

Kel will lead from behind LukOil at Plymouth Meeting Mall  
Time: NLT 0600 hrs.
KSU: 0615 hrs.
If you plan on being at this rally point, please PM him so he has an idea how many to expect.




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All hands , please note, Jane has accepted the responsibility of RC for this Tribute to Al. Lets all set up in supporting her on this most difficult day. Thanks Jane, for stepping up. Please post all ride related information on this thread. T

Standing by. Wouldnt miss this for the world. Thanks for posting the information.

Standing by!

Standing by, I think this is the perfect time to show everyone That bikers are some of the greatest people in the world, as we are just following Al's lead.

Bikerdave

Definatly will be there

In lieu of attendance convalescences,prayers and best wish being sent from Northern Il. Sounds like he went with dignity and pride, Gods Speed Al. Youe WWR Brother.      

I really want to be there and am trying to get off work. Al came down for PaPa Joe and for us-my heart tells me that is where I need to be.

Standing by for updates here in Ridley Park. It will be my honor to stand for Al "Bluesman" .

Standing by in Bucks County Pa

Standing by in Berks.

Quoted from Moonshine

I really want to be there and am trying to get off work. Al came down for PaPa Joe and for us-my heart tells me that is where I need to be.

Your heart will be there no matter what.  As all of you, Al's Georgia women, and I have talked - in other words - Al knows where your heart and mind are and you were there for him in life - what else truly matters, certainly not where your body is.

Standing by in Phoenixville. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Standing by in Ridley Park.

Standing by to honor Al! Jane thanks for all you have done for Al and taking RC.

UPDATE 07/28

SECONDARY RALLY POINT

Where: Plymouth Meeting Mall behind the Lukoil station.
Time: NLT 0600 hrs.
KSU: 0615 hrs.

If you plan on being at this rally point, please PM me so I have an idea how many to expect.
Also, please try to be prompt! We need about 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic) to be at the Allentown Service Plaza on time.