Phil was born to Edith and Edward Levine in November 1952 in Boston and grew up in Harvard Square, Cambridge. Always a water-lover, Phil took-up swimming for Cambridge High and Latin in his junior year. By his senior year, he set state records for the100-yard butterfly and 400-yard freestyle, records he held for many years. While he was there, Phil was told by an astute teacher, "Phil, all you lack is potential", so he set out to make "being a bum" his life's work. Phil was awarded a full swimming scholarship to Florida State University of which he attended four days, until meeting with the swim coach who told him his long hippie hair had to go. Phil decided he would rather go, making nonconformity his mantra. He lived in a mail truck on the Florida beaches, surfing everyday. He returned to Cambridge briefly, in his early twenties, before becoming a lifelong resident on incrementally larger sailboats.
A consummate adventurer and free spirit, Phil first lived a primitive life aboard a 21-foot sailboat. He sailed in Cape Cod, Florida, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos, crossing the Gulf Stream solo, unsure if he would see daylight on a few voyages. He supported himself by diving for lobster, conch, and spearing grouperto barter for beer. In Florida, he worked with Dimitri Rebikoff, a renowned underwater photographer and film maker, known as the Jacques Cousteau of Europe. There, Phil was credited with saving a cave diver's life by diving down to deliver more air tanks to him in 120 feet of darkness, as described in the book, "The Cave Divers" by Bill Royal. While in Florida, he met and later married Jeanette Cord, sailing with her and her young son on his second boat. Because funds were limited, he taught himself how to repair all of the systems aboard the boat and was a knowledgeable resource for other sailors. Phil and Jeanette moved to Switzerland, where he lived for three years until he could no longer resist the call of his true mistress, the ocean.
Returning to the States in 1991, he purchased his beloved Storm Petrel, a Bruce Roberts Offshore 44. After some refitting, he set sail for more adventures in September of 1992. He chartered Storm Petrel in Cape Cod and the Caribbean, sailing 1500 miles annually between his two homes. When he wasn't chartering, he enjoyed windsurfing, surfing, and diving. In February 2002, his charter guests included four nurses, one of whom became his last 'first mate'. For the next 12 years, he and his partner, Laura Schaub, continued cruising and chartering, entertaining many guests with humor, tales of adventure and misadventure, and his vast collection of music. People arrived as guests and left as friends.
Phil was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 60. Laura faithfully cared for him so he could continue to live aboard his beloved boat, his home of nearly 30 years.
He is survived by his two loves; his mate and partner Laura Schaub and his boat, Storm Petrel. He is also survived by sisters Barbara Levine of Cambridge and Nancy (and Bill) Armstrong of Wellesley, nephews Billy (and Sarah) of North Carolina, Edward (and Christine) Armstrong of Seaport and niece Allison Armstrong of California. Phil was a real character, larger-than-life, with a gregarious personality. Phil made many friends in Cape Cod, St Thomas, Antigua and beyond. He will be missed by all.
Raise a glass of IPA, his favorite beer, to remember our dear Captain Phil.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking that any monetary donations be made to The Buzzards Bay Music Fest in Marion, MA because Phil so loved his classical music and enjoyed attending this week long festival. Or an in memoriam has also been established at The Women's Lunch Place, 67 Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts where his sister helps homeless women. Per his wishes, cremation has been arranged, and a celebration of life will take place at a later time. Phil lived the life he wanted, on a permanent vacation. He has always said, "if I die tomorrow, I have no regrets. Don't feel sorry for me. I've had a great life. Everything has always worked for me."
Sail far, sail free, sail naked. Fairwinds, dear Phil.
A memorial service will take place at a later date.
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