Phillip Moore

Phillip “Po Boy” Moore
Phillip Moore, affectionately known as “Po Boy” or “Bo,” was born on October 21, 1935, in Darton, North Carolina, to the late Sylvester and Annilean Moore. He peacefully departed this life on October 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Phil spent his early years working on the farm until the age of 14, when he relocated to Albany, New York, in 1951 to live with his uncle, Buster. Upon arriving in Albany, he quickly became known for his strong work ethic, sharp wit, and infectious personality.

Phil found his professional calling in the tailoring industry, where he became a highly regarded presser, working at Roxy’s, Tailorama, and Spector’s. His unmatched skill and dedication earned him a respected reputation throughout the community. Known for his stylish suits and sharp sense of fashion, Phillip was always impeccably dressed, known to be “cleaner than the Board of Health” every time he stepped out.

Outside of work, Phil’s generosity and community spirit shone brightly, he sponsored local sports teams and supported countless community causes, always finding ways to give back to the city he loved.

A man of great pride and presence, Phil was an active member of several fraternal and civic organizations that reflected his deep sense of brotherhood, service, and community.

Masonic and Fraternal Affiliations

• Member of The Capitol City Lodge #78 (Prince Hall Masons)
• Honorary Illustrious Past Potentate of Al Tabari Temple #121
• Member of Commando Lodge #1105 (IBPOEW)

Phil was also a member of The Esquire Club, where he was affectionately known as DJ Mosquito, spinning records and setting the mood for many memorable nights.

In 1980, Phillip achieved a lifelong dream when he purchased and renovated the building at 97 Henry Johnson Boulevard. On April 1, 1980, he opened the doors to The Silver Slipper, a beloved Albany institution that became more than just a bar, it became a cornerstone of the community.

For more than four decades, The Silver Slipper has been a space where generations have gathered. Politicians, Doctors, Teachers, and Civil Servants could often be found in friendly debate over a Jeopardy question or sharing stories that connected the community. The Silver Slipper stands today as the oldest surviving Black-owned bar in Albany, a testament to Phil’s vision, perseverance, and unwavering love for his people.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to the city of Albany and the lasting mark he left on the community, on October 22, 2022, a section of Orange Street was officially named Phillip Moore Way in his honor.

Throughout his life, Phil received numerous awards and honors, too many to list, each celebrating his enduring contributions to his city and his community.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; eight sisters; and his beloved children Connie Buchanan, Phillip Moore Jr., and Phillis Moore. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Hilda Edmonds of Phoenix, Arizona; his children, Lynette Moore, Diane Wimberly, Rodney Dobbs, and Anthony Artis; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members too numerous to mention.

To know Phil was to love him. He was a man of laughter, loyalty, and legendary one-liners, most famously his response to just about anything: “You already know!” And if you ever greeted him by saying, “Po Boy!” you could count on him to grin and reply, “Po Boy me!” He had an enduring love for Motown classics and could often be found singing his favorite tunes while sitting at the bar, greeting friends like family.

The Silver Slipper, much like Phil himself, is the real-life version of Cheers, a place where everybody knows your name. His legacy will live on in every laugh, every song, and every shared memory that fills its walls.
Rest easy, Po Boy … You Already Know!

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