Raymond James Phillips of Bozrah, CT slipped away from us on June 25th, 2022 at the age of 95. He was recently predeceased by his wife, Alma after 71 years of marriage. He will be deeply and lovingly missed by his daughters, Michelle and husband Andy, Leslie and husband Gerry and his son Brian.
He was born on January 22nd, 1927 to the late James and Ida Morin Phillips and is a native of Montville. While still a student, he enlisted in the Army Air Force at 17 before graduating from Chapman Tech High School in the spring of 1944. He served in WWII but the war ended before he realized his dream of being a pilot. With his uncle, he built the family home in Oakdale where he and Alma raised their 4 children before moving to Bozrah in 1989.
He worked for the US Post Office for 13 years before going to work at his ‘dream job’ at the Naval Underwater Systems Center as a mechanical engineer till his retirement in 1984. His skill and creativity resulted in a string of 18 patents throughout his life, many for his contributions to submarine electromagnetics. Among his many awards, he was most proud of receiving the Submarine Sail Award. His outstanding designs are installed on many antennas in all US subs.
He founded The Ngraver Company in 1976 which became a family business and is known nationally for high quality engraving tools and accessories. The company manufactures power assisted freehand engraving tools. His tool also lent itself to his work on the antenna programs for the Navy.
Our dad often joked that he was a Jack-of-all-Trades, Master-of-None but that was far from the truth. He had many outside interests and led a varied and fascinating busy life until his late 80’s. An outstanding photographer, he has had some of his pictures and articles chosen for national magazines such as Popular Science, Popular Mechanics and American Rifleman. A gunsmith by avocation, he was involved most of his life in the restoration and repair of antique and modern firearms. This led to developing and patenting his engraving tool which could inscribe delicate scrollwork on guns and jewelry, segueing to a side business of metal stamp making . There was nothing he couldn’t do or make if he thought it through. He loved waterskiing, making his last run at the age of 85 and sadly sold his restored beloved Harley Davidson shortly after.
Always willing to lend a hand to anyone, he was quiet, humble, modest and exuded integrity. His work ethic was legendary. We will forever miss his ready laugh, his jokes and loving, generous spirit….he would do anything for his family and friends.
Besides his wife Alma, he was predeceased by his parents and son Harry in 2018. In addition to his children, he leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Ethan, Rachel, Benjamin, Zachary, James and 2 great grandchildren, Gabriel and Nicholas, as well as many friends and relatives all over the country.
The family would like to take the opportunity to again thank the entire staff at Crescent Point, Niantic for their warmth and caring towards both of our parents for the past year. There was always genuine kindness and respect and we will be eternally grateful we found our way to you. A special thank you to the many caregivers involved in his care, several of whom were with us for many years. We are so fortunate you came into our lives.
At the discretion of the family there will be no calling hours and burial will be at a later date in the fall.
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