John Patrick Dorman

John Patrick Dorman, husband, and father of three and the long-time owner, and candy maker of Philips Candies, originally in Coney Island, and now on Barrett Ave in Staten Island. John began working at Philips Candies in the 1950’s, met and married Audrey. She worked in an adjacent store serving coffee and pie. John served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953. After his discharge John and Audrey settled in Coney Island, purchased Philip’s Candies from Philip Calimaris and raised their children; Kathleen, John and Maria.

For more than 50 years in Coney Island and more than 20 years in Staten Island, John created delicious treats that were enjoyed by generations of New Yorkers. He was always delighted when parents brought their children to his store and introduced them to John and told them how they had enjoyed his candies since they were children. He had several nick names with some calling him “Phil,” or “The Candy Man,” and in the army they called him “Taffy.”

The store on Barrett Ave was not his first store in Staten Island. In the early 60’s, before the Verrazano bridge was built, John and Audrey had a store on Port Richmond Ave and a stand at the Weissglass Stadium, with Audrey bringing their wares, and their children, to and from Brooklyn on the Brooklyn/Staten Island ferry.

In the early days, John and Audrey led simple lives, living in a four-flight walkup on Surf Ave, across the street from Steeplechase Park. They always enjoyed their annual trek, a drive to Daytona Florida just after Christmas.

In 2001, John closed the store in Brooklyn and began a very short retirement, living in Staten Island with his son and daughter-in-law. His love for being with people, making candy and taking care of his customers brought him back into the business, opening Philip’s in Staten Island. He was overjoyed that his daughter Maria joined him in running the family business. She continues to run Philip’s today.

John lived a full life, and was loved by many, especially his family.

He was a consummate New Yorker, loving so much about our great city, the parks and the theater in particular. He often told the story of his return to New York Harbor in the military ship bringing him home after his time in the Army. Well before he could see the Statue of Liberty, he could see the Wonder Wheel and Parachute Jump in Coney Island. It was then that he knew he was home.

He was pre-deceased by his loving wife Audrey and grandson Jerry. He is survived by his loving children Kathleen, John and Maria, his son-in-law Jerry, daughter-in-law Andrea, grandchildren Anthony, Alexis and John, and great grandchildren Camden, Audrey, Giovanni, Antonia, and Cash.

John is now truly home and at rest with his wife Audrey. Remembered and loved by many. May he rest in peace.