ESSEX: Michael T. “Mookie” Phillips, 30, passed peacefully Tuesday evening, December 13, 2011 at the Beverly Hospital surrounded by his family.
Born in Beverly on October 4, 1981, he was the son of Lana L. (Hull) Phillips of Essex and Dana A. Phillips of Gloucester and the brother of Kimberly A. Phillips. He was a graduate of the Essex Elementary School and the Cotting School of Lexington.
In his early years, he played baseball and soccer and learned to ski. He also served as the Cape Ann ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Michael loved sports and followed all the New England teams. Over the years, he met Larry Bird, Roger Clemens, Cam Neely and many others. Recently he had the pleasure of holding Lord Stanley’s Cup. He surely is in Heaven now, making sure that every day is a win for the home team.
With the assistance of all those who cared for him, Michael faced each day with a positive attitude, a great sense of humor, a loving heart and always two thumbs up.
Michael was always full of determination and due to the loving and constant care of his mother and all those who cared for him, he managed to overcome his obstacles and exceed all expectations. He was full of love and touched the hearts of many.
In addition to his parents and sister, he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Helen Phillips; aunts, Robin Al Wardi, Sheila Wendell, Nancy Lawrence, Gail Doyle-Terfry and many cousins and dear friends. He was also predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Albert C. Phillips; maternal grandparents, Trenton and Mary Hull and a cousin, Jill Lawrence.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning in the St. John the Baptist Church, 52 Main Street, Essex at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Pl., #201, Boston, MA 02114 (www.mass.wish.org).