MILLBURY: Ralph Phillips, Jr., 61, formerly of Gloucester, died early Thursday morning, July 25, 2013 following an extended illness.
Born in Gloucester on September 17, 1951, he was the son of the late Ralph, Sr. and Lola (Jesso) Phillips. He was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1969.
A U. S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he enlisted following graduation and was honorably discharged in 1972.
Upon his return, he was employed by Gorton’s of Gloucester for a short time. For the next time years, he was a commercial fisherman aboard numerous vessels including the f/v Curlew, Barbara Jean, Theresa R. and Capt. Dominic. He left the sea to become an interior home painter for Feldman Construction Company.
In 1987 he moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he remained until 2008. He returned to Massachusetts and resided in Brockton for two years, and then in Millbury.
He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Therese and Carmen Graziano; his son, Dominic Phillips, two granddaughters, Angelina Graziano and Sara Purvis a grandson, Ayden Phillips and his former spouse and longtime companion, Theresa (Montagnino) Phillips. He also leaves behind two sisters, Randy, wife of John Pata and Rhonda Turner; two brothers, Russell and Robert Phillips and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 5th in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 6 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 5 to 6 p.m.. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.