Philip Harry Vorsatz

Philip Harry Vorsatz, age 71, of Gainesville, GA passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024 of natural causes. Phil was born on September 23, 1952 in New Rochelle, NY to Harry and Phyllis Vorsatz. While he spent his entire childhood in New York, he made his way south after graduating from New Rochelle High School by way of Duke University, where he graduated with a degree in environmental engineering. Phil was a dedicated employee of the Environmental Protection Agency for 38 years, during which he wore many hats. He worked in Superfund, was chief of the Brownfields program, chief of water quality standards, head of the drinking water program, and pulp and paper expert for the NPDES Region 4 permit program. After a long and fruitful career, he was able to retire to the town of Hiawassee, nestled in the mountains of North Georgia, overlooking Lake Chatuge...one of his favorite places.

Phil loved crunching numbers, reading to further his knowledge and working on projects to better the environment at EPA. He also loved camping and trout fishing with friends at Coopers Creek, traveling with his son, spending days on the lake with his daughter and her family, cycling, kayaking, and most fondly - walking in nature. If he was unreachable by cell, he was most certainly walking around the lake. While in Gainesville, he was actively involved in Running 4 Heroes, it brought him great joy to volunteer. He was also very active in AA and was a sponsor to many through his years; his story of trials and sobriety spoke to many people. He was an avid sports watcher; he loved the Atlanta Braves, Duke basketball (especially during March Madness), US Open, Tour de France, and the Olympics. If not watching a sporting event on the television you could always find him at his granddaughters marching band competitions, grandsons football games and his youngest granddaughters soccer games. He was the very best supporter.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Jessica and Chad Wohlert and three grandchildren: Madison and Alex Hamby and Reagan Wohlert, his sister Kathy and Tom Wallace, his niece and her family Melanie, J.R., and Jackson Shambaugh, his extended family in New York, his friends who were family - Mike and Thaxine McGhee, and his ex-wife and good friend Lynn Vorsatz (Alan Prysworski). He was predeceased by his parents - Harry and Phyllis Vorsatz, and his beloved son Neil, who just recently passed away in 2022.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date as he wished for an informal ceremony. Phil prioritized being happy in nature and spending quality time with his close family and friends, who he loved well. He always encouraged us to not sweat the small stuff, and that every day we have a chance to be better. He won his battle, and we are so proud of him. 

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3