STEEP FALLS - Philip Merville Burnell of Steep Falls, Maine, passed away at his home on May 4, 2026, at 2:05 pm.
Philip was born in Steep Falls, Maine in 1931. He was one of three sons of William and Mary Burnell, also of Steep Falls.
He attended Steep Falls Elementary school and went on to graduate from the Standish High School in 1949. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1953. He was part of the European Occupational Forces and spent 9 months in the Mediterranean Sea area.
On June 2, he married Janet D. Willard of Gorham, Maine. They resided in Newport, Rhode Island until Philip went overseas. After discharge, they lived in Gorham until 1959 when they moved to Steep Falls and settled on a spot fondly referred to as Hardship Acres. They were together for over 75 years.
He was employed by Central Maine Power Company for 37 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Kenison Hooper Post #128, American Legion, Standish Memorial Post #128 American Legion, Master of Standish Masonic Lodge #70 and Master of Presumpscot Masonic Lodge #70, member of Harmony Masonic Lodge #38 of Gorham, Active senior Citizens of Standish, trustee and corporate board member of the E.A. Center Memorial Medical Building in Steep Falls, past President of the Steep Falls Library Association, former member of the Steep Falls Baptist Church and current member of the South Limington Free Baptist Church and life member of Standish Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Janet and three children, Dennis and his wife Lynn and their two sons, Joshua and Daniel; a daughter, Mary Lynn and her husband, James Hulit, and their two daughters, Crystal and Amanda; a daughter, Cynthia and her husband Arthur Conner and their two children, Stephanie and Benjamin. Also, three great grandsons, Max, Conner and Cameron. Phil's family was his pride and joy, and he loved them without condition.
Philip was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Paul and Weston.
Visitation will be held on Saturday May 16th from 3 - 4 PM, followed by a 4 PM service at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Pastor Will Rankin will officiate. Burial will be private for immediate family at Steep Falls Cemetery.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to South Limington Free Baptist Church, P.O. Box 128, Limington, ME 04049