Phillip Gene “Phil” Foote Death: Renowned Educator and Greece Advocate Passes at 90
Jan. 30, 2026 — New York — Phillip Gene “Phil” Foote, a distinguished American educator known for his leadership in independent schools and dedication to Greece through the American Farm School, passed away peacefully at age 90, family and institutions announced in the wake of the Phillip Gene “Phil” Foote death.
Born May 2, 1935, in Port Arthur, Texas, alongside twin sister Phyllis, Foote earned a B.A. in Education from the University of Texas in 1957 and an M.A. in Linguistics/Education in 1971, per the primary obituary on Legacy.com.
Career in Greece and U.S. Education
Foote began his international career teaching English at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, on a Fulbright scholarship in 1961. He headed the English department, published ESL materials, chaired the Board of Trustees and coordinated the “Greek Summer” program for American students.
Returning to the U.S., he served as Head of Lower and Middle Schools at Greenhill School in Dallas before becoming Head of School from 1976 to 1992. During his tenure, the school expanded enrollment, faculty and financial stability, earned innovation accolades and received the Excellence in Private Education Award from President Reagan.
Foote later led Horace Mann School (1992–1995) and Cathedral School of St. John the Divine (1996–2003) in New York City. He held trustee roles, including with the American Farm School, and stayed active in Orthodox church life at St. Bartholomew’s in Manhattan amid the Phillip Gene “Phil” Foote death tributes.
Family and Memorial Services
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Mary Swift Foote; sons David Foote (Los Angeles), Andrew and Blake Foote (Brooklyn); daughter Amy and son-in-law Matthew McCooe (Connecticut); and six grandchildren.
A memorial service for the Phillip Gene “Phil” Foote death is set for March 12, 2026, at 3 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 325 Park Avenue, New York City. Greenhill School plans a campus event in Dallas this fall.
Coverage and Tributes
The Phillip Gene “Phil” Foote death drew announcements from education networks, Orthodox communities and Legacy platforms, including Dallas News obits. Coverage remained focused on obituaries and institutional remembrances as of February 25, 2026.
