Robert T. Phillips, 88, retired Worcester Firefighter, died at his home in Worcester on Thursday, September 8, 2016.
He leaves his wife of 64 years, Norma A. (Lawless) Phillips and their six children; Robert Phillips Jr. and spouse David of Kingston, PA; Jessica (Phillips) Franks and spouse Omby of Clarksville, TN; Michael Phillips and fiancé Dianne Grant Stall of Dayville, CT; James Phillips and spouse Cynthia of Leicester; Margaret (Phillips) Marshall and spouse John of Worcester; John Phillips and spouse Andrea of Sutton. He also leaves eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. Phillips was born May 8. 1928 to James E. Phillips and Irene M. (McNamara) Phillips. He was a resident of Millbury for 41 years before returning to Worcester in 2001. He graduated from Upsala Street School, Providence Jr. High School and attended South High School prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service. His overseas submarine duty from the Panama Canal Zone and Balboa included traversing Cape Horn and the Straights of Magellan with two Equatorial crossings. His submarine also did domestic duty on the Mississippi River in 1947 during the Cotton Carnival. After completion of service, he graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1948. He was employed by Norton Company and Paul Revere Life Insurance before joining the Worcester Fire Department. He was stationed at Engine 12, Hose 6, Engine 13 and Southbridge St., Scope 2. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant in 1985.
He was an avid sailor and built a steel hulled sailboat over a period of 11 summers. ‘Long Shot’ was launched in 1992 and berthed in Apponaug, RI, where he sailed on Narragansett Bay for seven years before it was sold, renamed, and rehomed in Brazil at last contact with its new owner. He was a member of St. Bridgid’s Church in Millbury and a chairman of the Men’s Retreat. He was also a rosary maker for the Handmaids of Mary rosary group. In Worcester, he belonged to Ascension Church and was a collector until its closing in 2008 when he became a member of St. John’s Church. He was a member of the Retired Police and Firefighters Association, a life member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1009, and a member of the American Legion. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved pet and companion dog, Shadow, who preceded him in death in 2015. He was a man of honor and humility with great love, generosity of spirit, courage and creativity. Above all he was a family man and a lover of life and laughter.
Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate his life at LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St., from 4:00pm until 7:30pm on Wednesday, September 14th. A Prayer Service will begin at 7:30pm followed by the Presentation of Military Honors. Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made in his name to Guide Dogs for Blinded Veterans, Worcester Firefighters Brigade Fife and Drum or to a charity of ones choice.