Philip Sherwin Edwards

He was born in Everett, Massachusetts on June 4, 1950, the son of the late Donald Wallace and Marjorie Alice (Thomas) Edwards.

Early in his childhood he moved with his family to Lisbon Falls, Maine, where he attended school throughout high school. He was raised in a Christian home, and as a young child accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Some of his childhood interests included building and using a ham radio, playing trumpet in the high school band, church, and nursing homes, and working alongside his dad where he learned to be a jack of all trades.

After graduating high school, he served 4 years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Forrestal in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. After his service in the Navy, he attended SMVTI where he earned an associate degree in automotive mechanics. He later went on to work at the Lisbon Public Works, along with the Lisbon Police Department part time. During these years, he would spend much of his free time flying small aircraft, fixing Volkswagen Beetles, and driving his El Camino.

After being set up on a blind date, he married Mary Anne Ranucci on March 21, 1987. Together they shared 39 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, faith, and homeschooling 5 children. Family was the center of Phil’s life; he loved his wife, children and grandchildren dearly.

Phil served in the Army National Guard for 28 years and worked as a heavy equipment technician at Camp Keyes. After his time in the National Guard, he went on to work as an air compressor technician for Maine Air Power which had him traveling all through the state. He prided himself in knowing where every Dunkin Donuts was located along the way, which was fitting because he would often say that they shared a birth year. Phil was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and integrity.

Outside of work, he found great joy in music where he was part of a church choir for many years and enjoyed playing the mandolin. He maintained the family vehicles and enjoyed other automotive work including restoring Wheel Horse tractors. He later enjoyed spending his time at elderly homes where he would play music and sing hymns with residents. One of his favorite hymns was, “He Will Hold Me Fast.”

Those who knew him will remember his kindness, integrity, strong work ethic, his love for music, his ability to harmonize in any song, his fully stocked garage where he would spend much of his time, his love for his family, and his strong faith in Jesus Christ. One of the things he was best known for was his ability to fix anything.

Phil is survived by:

• Spouse: Mary Edwards

• Children: Jonathan Edwards, Geoffrey Edwards, Matthew Edwards, Meghan (Edwards) Ray, Justine (Edwards) Morse

• Grandchildren: Sylvester Edwards, Sergio Edwards, Aurelia Edwards, Liam Edwards, Harper Edwards, Mia Edwards, Sadie Edwards, Adley Edwards, Maggie Ray, Theophilus Ray, Shemaiah Ray, Zephaniah Ray, Naomi Morse, Phoebe Morse

• Siblings: Stephen Edwards, Paul Edwards, Ginny Barrett, Danny Edwards, Cippa McBride

Predeceased by:

• Parents: Donald Wallace Edwards and Marjorie Alice (Thomas) Edwards

• Siblings: Barbara Edwards

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Gentiva Hospice, friends, church members, etc. for their prayers, compassion, and generous support.

Though he will be greatly missed, we take great comfort knowing that he is at peace with his Lord and Savior.

Graveside Services along with Military Honors will be held privately at Gracelawn Memorial Park. Funeral Services honoring Philip's life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the New Gloucester Bible Church 218 Lewiston Road, New Gloucester, Maine 04260. At the request of the family, there will be no visitation prior to the services at the funeral home. Arrangements by The Fortin & Pinette Group 217 Turner Street in Auburn, 783-8545. To share memories and condolences with the Edwards Family, please visit www.fortinpinettegroupauburn.com .