Jan. 29, 1945 - Feb. 23, 2021 AUBURNÂ â Philip J. Dello Stritto, Jr., 76, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2021 at Upstate University Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in Auburn on Jan. 29, 1945, Philip was the son of the late Philip J., Sr. and Mary (Hitchcock) Dello Stritto. Phil, a lifelong resident of Auburn, graduated from West High School in 1963. Phil was a graduate of the Fine Arts School at Syracuse University in 1967 and received his Professional Teaching Degree from SUNY Oswego. Phil had a long and distinguished career in the fields of fine arts, photography and education. He began his photography career at Muggleton Studios in his hometown of Auburn. Phil's skill and passion led him to establish and operate his own studio, Studio D for over 50 years. Phil chronicled intimate family celebrations with grace and professionalism. He was often sought out by multiple generations to capture their milestones in a way only he could. As a photographer he had a presence behind the camera that put everyone at ease and distinctly captured the joy of the moment. He adored photographing his littlest subjects where he could capture the beauty and innocence of a young new life.