Gerald Phillips

Gerald (Jerry) Phillips was born in Detroit, Michigan to Dorothy and Edwin Phillips on January 14, 1941. He fought a long-time battle with rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis and sadly passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024. He is now at peace and dancing with his wife Sharon, the love of his life for 50 years.

He was very humble in his accomplishments starting with the achievement of his Eagle Scout at the age of fourteen. He proudly served on the Submarine Force of the United States Navy for 26 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. His fondest duty station was aboard the USS Nautilus and made many trips back to Groton, CT. to walk aboard her to reminisce. During his career he was accepted as part of an exchange program with the Royal Navy, and for two years supported the supply efforts for HMS Conqueror in Faslane, Scotland during the Falkland War.

Jerry was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3219, Moose Lodge 1514, and the Phoebus-Hampton Lions Club where he dedicated his time whenever and wherever he was needed. He loved to be in his woodworking shed where he made beautiful hand-crafted furniture, including hope chests for his daughters and granddaughters until the dangers of his arthritis prevented him from continuing his craft. He is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he shared his cooking talents supporting feeding ministries such as Sunday Supper and A Nights Welcome, where he was fondly known as "The Egg Man". He is also known at the Moose Lodge as “Mad Dog”.

He is survived by his three daughters, Michelle (John) DeDitius of Lorton, VA; Melissa (David) McDonald of Yorktown, VA; and Jannine (Jonathan) Moores of Niantic, CT; his brother William (Jack) Phillips of Almont, MI; his twin sister Geraldine Matthews of Macomb, MI.; and his sister-in-law Sondra Phillips of Fraser, MI.; 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Steiger), his parents, his sisters Margaret Jean Phillips and Mary Ilene Bielat and brother E.C. (Chuck) Phillips.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Avenue; Hampton, VA. 23666. A visitation starting at 9 am followed by a funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2150 Cunningham Drive; Hampton, VA. 23666. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to The Submarine Library & Museum (ussnautilus.org) or any of the organizations where he was a member.