Phil left this world on June 11, 2026 the same way he lived in it; on his own terms, with questionable timing and probably a joke that made someone roll their eyes.
Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Phil graduated from Burncoat High School with the Class of 1976. He later completed coursework through the University of Phoenix, though he was far prouder of his unofficial degree from the School of Hard Knocks, a credential he made sure appeared on more than a few résumés. He spent twenty-six years delivering mail for the United States Postal Service, proving that neither rain, nor snow, nor questionable life choices could keep him from his route.
In 2018, Phil relocated to Illinois, leaving behind Massachusetts winters for Illinois winters, proving that geography was never really the problem. A lifelong member of Red Sox Nation, he remained stubbornly loyal to Boston while gradually adopting the Cubs as his second team, much to the confusion of baseball purists everywhere. The real reason for the move, however, had nothing to do with sports. It allowed him to spend his later years closer to his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, a trade he considered well worth the sacrifice of decent lobster bisque and steamers.
Phil was proud that he was clean and sober for 34 years, an accomplishment he considered one of the greatest achievements of his life. Recovery wasn't just something he did, it was something he believed in. He spent years helping others along their own journeys, offering support, guidance, and occasionally the kind of blunt honesty people didn't necessarily want, but probably needed.
Phil is survived by his daughter, Amber Barter who inherited both his stubbornness and his talent for winning arguments long after they should have ended. He also leaves behind his beloved grandson, Fox, and his son-in-law, Thomas, who married into the family despite having ample opportunity to reconsider. He is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Hunt and Margery Orr; three brothers, Bruce Barter, Larry Barter and Thomas Barter; several nieces and nephews, and three great-grand-nephews. They may never reach a consensus on who was Phil's favorite, but family tradition demands they keep arguing about it anyway. The one title nobody disputes is that Phil was his father's favorite child. He worked side by side with his father for years and remained his right-hand man throughout his father's final illness, a responsibility he took seriously and carried with unwavering loyalty.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, George Barter and Barbara (Lawrence) Barter. We take comfort in imagining them reunited at last, with George and Barbara offering guidance as parents do and Phil responding exactly as he always had: with love, respect, and a strong belief that he knew a better way.
Those who knew Phil are encouraged to remember him the way he would have wanted; with laughter, sarcasm, and a healthy disregard for taking life too seriously.
Per Phil’s request, funeral services and burial will be private.
Marchand Memorial Homes, Alfred Roy & Sons – Henry Funeral Service Memorial Chapel 33 Ward St. Worcester, is honored to be directing arrangements. To share a memory of Phil or to sign his online guestbook, please visit www.MarchandMemorialHomes.com