Phillip D. Orwig

October 20, 1954 - September 3, 2020

Phillip D. Orwig, 65, of York, died peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with ALS on Thursday, September 3, 2020. Born in York on October 20, 1954, he was the son of the late Charles and Johnnie (Owens) Orwig. Phil was the loving husband of 44 years of Susan A. (Weigle) Orwig. Phil was a 1972 graduate of York Vo-Tech. He also received a Certificate in Electronics from Penn State York. Prior to his illness, he was an inspection department supervisor for Custom Built Machinery. In his earlier years, Phil enjoyed playing church league basketball and was a star player on several York area softball teams. He enjoyed Penn State football and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers football fan, never missing a “Black and Gold” game. Phil was diagnosed with ALS in 1983, and battled it for many years, with the intensity of Steeler’s linebacker. His toughness fighting ALS, mirrored Steeler’s great Jack Lambert’s toughness on the field, and Phil kept a picture of Lambert’s toothless snarl next to his bed. In addition to his loving wife, Phil is survived by his son, Jeremy D. Orwig of York; his daughter, Nicole D. Orwig and her husband, Patrick Kane of Felton; his brother, Kenny Orwig and his wife, Donna of Dover and Ron Orwig and his wife, Connie of Delaware; his grandchildren, Sydney, Dustin, Cyrus, Layla, and Shyanne; and several nephews. He is also survived by his caretaker of 27 years, Tammy Arnold. A private service for Phil will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Phil’s memory may be made to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 (www.als.org). Arrangements by the Etzweiler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 1111 E. Market St. York, PA 17403.