Philip John Evich

Dr. Philip John Evich, age 79 of Frederick passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Frederick Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.  He was the devoted husband for 57 years of Patricia (Fitzpatrick) Evich.  Born on September 27, 1936 in Cincinnati, Ohio he was the son of the late John and Helen (Bruns) Evich.

Dr. Evich entered the United States Army in 1955.  Following his discharge in 1957 he enrolled at the University of Illinois achieving a bachelor's degree.  He continued his education at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree.  Dr. Evich briefly practiced with Dr. A. R. Remsberg on Market Street before taking a 3 year commission to serve in the United States Navy from 1964-1967.  During his time in the Navy he worked as an optometrist at the U.S. Naval School of Hospital Administration in WIlliamsburg, VA,  achieving the Naval rank Lieutenant J G.  Returning to private practice in Frederick, he worked with Dr. A. R. Remsberg and Dr. Padmini Nathan at locations on W. 3rd. St., 7th St., and most recently on Thomas Johnson Dr.  Dr. Evich was a member at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hagerstown, the American Optometric Association and the Maryland Optometric Association.  He loved music and playing the piano, traveling with family and friends, golfing, skiing, woodworking and attending his grandchildrens' sporting events and musical performances.  He was a lifelong Notre Dame and Middletown Football fan.  Everyone who knew him was aware that his main focus in life involved his love and devotion to his large family that he raised with his wife in Braddock Heights.  He truly adored his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  In a thank you note written to his son this past father's day, he wrote "Thank you for your thoughts; I'm sure you know nothing in your life means more to a father than knowing he is loved and appreciated by his kids.  Thanks for saying it.  (It) makes me feel my life has been worthwhile.  What more can a man ask? Love, Dad."

In addition to his wife, Dr. Evich is survived by his children, Trish Snider and husband Greg, John Evich and wife Carol, Tom Evich and wife Diane, Cathy Johnson and husband Brian; his 11 grandchildren, Melissa Evich, Kelsey Holler and husband Bryan, Kristen Snider, Tommy Evich, Philip Evich, John Evich, Michael Snider, Matthew Evich, Mark Evich, Samuel Johnson, and Sophia Johnson and his sister Kay Earnest of Norfolk, VA.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother John Evich and sisters Anne Beale and Madeline Meldrum.

Friends will be received on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 E. 2nd St., Frederick on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 1 PM.  The interment will follow in the Christ Reformed Cemetery, Middletown.  Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 in honor of other family members.  Please visit Dr. Evich's online memorial by going to www.keeneybasford.com.