Peter L. Phillips

Surrounded by his sister, her husband and his nephew, Peter died from cancer at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Morton Phillips and Alberta Jackle Phillips; the love of his life – his wife Kathy Slausenberg Phillips; and his sister, Mary E. Phillips. He is survived by his sister Carolyn P. Hillman (Lynn), nephews Michael Hillman (Pam), Todd Hillman (Dara); great-nephews, Michael Louis and Jonah: great nieces, Jacqueline and Grace.

Peter was born in Montclair, New Jersey. His parents were both in the U.S. Army Air Corp stationed in Carlsbad, New Mexico. From there the family moved to Auburn, then Nappanee, Indiana. His early school years were in Cobleskill, and then Callicoon, New York, where he graduated from high school at Delaware Valley Central School. Peter earned an Associates degree at Orange County Community College in Middletown, New York. Following a semester at Ohio Northern University, Peter enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Peter’s Navy days were filled with a variety of skills training which he would use immediately at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility for spaceflight tracking, communication and data networking in Bermuda. At this point in time, he married “The Boss” – his wife, Kathy. They continued to live in Bermuda, Peter working for Bendix Field Engineering Corporation. At this time, Peter met lifelong friends both Bermudians as well as expatriates. He enjoyed deep sea diving and was a member of the Bermuda Maritime Museum Association.

Upon return to the United States, Peter and Kathy purchased a home in Kimberton built in the late 1800’s. While there, Peter worked for GE Aerospace, which became Martin Marietta which was then sold to form Lockheed Martin, one of the largest companies in the aerospace, military support, security and technologies industry. It is the world’s largest defense contractor. Peter’s job took him all over the world. He easily has hundreds of friends all over the world as he spent so much time overseas. When home, Peter fully restored their home with the help of friends! Peter never met a project he couldn’t master – houses, cars, machines, whatever ! In 1996 they moved to Boyertown, PA where he once again renovated their home. This home included acreage where he built a barn to accommodate Kathy’s horses. One of Pete’s many purchases included an older bulldozer – which he used to demolish the old garage and 9/10th’s of their home. When they completed the rebuild, they had a lovely slice of heaven in the Oley Valley. What began then was a tradition of making pizza from scratch every Friday night for friends and neighbors.

Upon retirement, he took care of “The Boss” as she fought ALS. Forever by her side, he was her outstanding caregiver. During these years Peter’s neighbors, Rick and Linda Furches expanded their rapidly growing Foxtale Farm properties and Peter was a major contributor aka “Jack of all trades” to fix whatever was needed. Peter and Kathy also met a young couple who had worked at Foxtale Farm and took them under their wing. This couple, Lindsay Fry and Robert Mancini were married which was one of Kathy’s last outings. Soon after Kathy’s death in 2016, Peter spent a great deal of time helping others. He also got to spend more time going places including the Pebble Beach Concurs d’Elegance – where he got to spend time with Jay Leno. He spent more time with his family and friends – pizza nights continued.

When Peter was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, he valiantly tried alternatives in order to overcome this insidious disease. The family cannot begin to express their thanks, gratitude and love to Rick and Linda Furches, Robert and Lindsay Mancini, Ray and Kara Wilson, the Kopec family as well as the caregivers from Bayada Hospice who made his reunion with Kathy possible. “Job well done, good and faithful servant.” May God’s peace be with you forever!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bermuda Maritime Museum, 1 The Keep, Sandys MA 01, Bermuda, https://nmb.bm/donate or Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, 1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA 19465, https://www.ryerssfarm.org/how-to-help.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, 111 N. Reading Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512, (610) 365-1324, https://www.dignitymemorial.com.

Services will be held at St. John – Hill Church, 620 Hill Church Road, Boyertown, PA 19512, (610) 367-8114 on Sunday, May 16th at 1:30p.m.