Croydon tram crash victim and avid Crystal Palace fan’s coffin decked out in beloved club colours
A VICTIM of the Croydon tram crash was taken to his funeral today in a coffin that featured the colours of his beloved Crystal Palace.
Heartbroken friends and family watched on as moving tributes were paid to "gentle giant" Philip Seary.
The lifelong Crystal Palace fan, 57, was taken into a south London church in a red and blue coffin as club anthem Glad All Over played to more than 100 people yesterday.
Mourners wearing red and blue were given Eagles badges and forget-me-not seeds to sow to remember the husband, father, grandfather and friend who loved football, rock music and his family.
His daughters, Karina and Erica, read out tributes at St Edward's Church in New Addington, Croydon, as they shared memories of their father, who was nicknamed Tank because of his size.
Karina said: "Dad really was one of the greats.
"Maybe not a great footballer, or rock star like he may have thought or wanted to be, but he was a great dad, husband, grandfather, son, friend and all round great guy.
"He was funny, silly and just a little bit dopey.
“He had a heart a gold and he would do anything for anybody. He was our gentle giant.
"Anyone that knew him knew that the biggest loves of his life were Crystal Palace, America, definitely food, Bruce Springsteen and just rock music in general."
"There really are no words to explain our devastation and heartbreak. Our lives will never be the same without him. A piece of our hearts will always be missing."
Erica read out a heartbreaking poem to her dad, who worked as an electrical engineer at the Royal Opera House for the past 17 years.
She said: "Don't cry for me today, I wouldn't want it this way, be strong and smile, for you will see me in a while.
"I know you miss me, but now in heaven I will be. Do not keep your sad face, I'm in a much better place."
His young granddaughter Shayla also gave a reading as did other family members
The red and blue coffin was then taken out of the church to Jon Bon Jovi's It's My Life before the family and close friends went to a service at Croydon Crematorium.
In the order of service, his wife Ann said: "Thank you to everyone that has shown so much love and support these past weeks, we are proud of the way Phil connected with you all, and the amazing amount of appreciation he has received from you all.
"Love Ann and the girls."
This was one of the last funerals to take place those who died in the incident on November 9.
The driver of the tram was arrested after emergency services had to free several who were trapped and more than 50 were taken to hospital.
The two-car vehicle toppled over as it went into a tunnel near the Sandilands tram stop, near to east Croydon.
It is said to have rolled three times before coming to a halt and the driver, Alfred Dorris, has now been arrested by police on suspicion of manslaughter and bailed until May.
A shocking video has since emerged showing another tram driver sleeping at the wheel on the same section of track as the tragedy.
He has now been suspended from driving over the incident, which took place during rush hour.
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