Dr. Philip A. Zetterstrand

September 14, 1930 - June 5, 2022

Dr. Philip A. Zetterstrand, 91, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2022. Philip was born in Chile, but raised in Switzerland, and would go on to earn his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University and complete his residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital - New York Weill Cornell Center. Philip was a true naturalist. He combined scientific curiosity with deep reverence for life. Collecting butterflies since childhood, searching for fossils and minerals, snorkeling, mountain climbing, skiing, traveling, bird watching... so many passions. Compassion for animals, love of archaeology and anthropology were also a constant. The natural world was his oyster, whether exploring a jungle or gardening. As a gifted surgeon he helped many patients, his caring heart guiding his scientific skill. He was also a great chef, making beef stroganoff, spaetzle, Swiss cookies, fresh berry jams, etc. His meatloaf was amazing. He pursued photography very seriously. There were so many adventures and not enough words to do his story justice. From his days in Woodstock to his years in Puerto Rico, Philip graced our lives by his sheer energy for life and its different exemplifications. The stories are endless. Having lived in Spain for several years as a medical physician in the U.S. Air Force, he bestowed on us, his family, a microcosm of a day in the life of Philip Zetterstrand, the myth, the legend. Every weekend we would get in the car and find ourselves in new cities, new countries. It wasn't until his years in Albany where his eccentric qualities shined. Being a physician, many of his patients walked out of his office wondering what exactly he was saying. Was I just in a Hogan's Heroes episode? That German accent could not escape him. His twilight years would have him frolicking through the city that never sleeps. New York City epitomized his character and complemented his personality. From his palette gratifications on the lower East Side to his artistic curiosity from the many museums, New York City epitomized who he was in so many aspects of his life. The world has lost a very special human being, yet we find comfort knowing our loss is His gain. He was a devoted husband and beloved father and grandfather. Philip is survived by his wife, Emma Zetterstrand; his children, Wendy Witte, Nils Zetterstrand, Karin Zetterstrand, and Sylvia Zetterstrand; his grandchildren, Brendan, Evan, and Kaden Witte, Alena Melvin, Nikki and Keiji Kimura; and his nieces, Monique Behan and Marie Claire Higgins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, with burial to follow in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.