PHILLIPS, WILLARD

Willard Gerald Phillips, 88, of Madison, CT, died in Old Saybrook CT. He was born April 17, 1930 in the hamlet of Hughsonville, NY. He was the 7th of 9 siblings and in 1950 he married the love of his life Barbara Stairs. They were happily married for 67 years and raised 6 children together. He worked as a precision sheet metal mechanic having the opportunity to learn his trade working for such companies as Texaco Laboratories, Avco Lycoming, Perkin Elmer and FilmLine, before retiring in 1996 from Milford Fabricating Co. He was never able to sit still for long because he enjoyed working in his gardens or doing any type of landscaping. He had a real green thumb and was very knowledgeable of horticulture. He also had a passion for arithmetic and nutritional science. His passion for learning never stopped, in fact while unable to finish High School he decided to take night classes at age 67, achieving his high school equivalency diploma. When he wasn’t spending his time outside, he could be found enjoying a western or a good comedy. He had a wonderful sense of humor that proved how he was very clever. He was always coming up with quick one liners. The word “Witty” best described him. He had a real love of music especially country, that being his favorite. He would also enjoy spending many hours studying his bible along side his wife, together they shared a deep faith. He will be remembered as the rock of his family. Special thanks to the staff of Apple Saybrook for showing kindness and compassion during his residency there. He is survived by his brother Brent and wife Shirley Phillips of Crossville, TN, and sister Constance and husband Herbert Macy of Chester, TX, and daughters Rhonda and husband Ed Shelomis of Shelton CT, Cindy and husband John Lamb of Oviedo, FL, sons Bruce and wife Pauline Phillips of Killingly, CT. Glenn Phillips and Corinna Hahn of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Gordon and wife Michelle Phillips of East Haddam, daughter Terri and husband James Wilber of Westbrook, CT; and former daughter-in-law Kathleen Phillips of VA, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to St Jude’s children’s hospital in lieu of flowers. Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, September 22nd from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd., Madison, CT, followed by a 2 p.m. graveside service for both Willard and Barbara at King’s Highway Cemetery, Cherry St., Milford, CT.