Philip Donald Tacy

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 20, 1948, to Thelma June (Marsh) and Donald Joseph Tacy, Phil was raised and educated locally, graduating from Keene High School. While at Keene High, he volunteered as the school’s mascot, Mr. Blackbird, and was known to ride his Triumph motorcycle while wearing the mascot costume. A lifelong music enthusiast, Phil also enjoyed DJing dances around town.

Following high school, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy and would honorably serve our country for over 20 years in Nevada, Maine, southern California, Colorado, North Carolina, and Maryland. Phil returned to his home state of New Hampshire upon retirement in 1992.

Phil was a lifelong tinkerer and a true “jack-of-all-trades,” known for his ability to build and fix nearly anything, whether working with wood, motorcycles, computers, or machinery. After attending several barbecue contests, he became a certified judge and enjoyed honing his own culinary skills. A CB radio enthusiast, Phil also loved trains and enjoyed a recent trip to Washington, D.C. One especially memorable adventure was joining his son-in-law Christopher aboard the U.S. Coast Guard’s tall ship, the USCGC Barque Eagle.

Phil cherished nature, fishing, and stargazing, and often fondly recalled warm summer days spent in the glider rocker on the porch he built himself, overlooking his manicured lawn at his Plainfield, NH, home. With his wife, Gene, he later moved to Swanzey, where they enjoyed many happy years filled with home projects, shared adventures, and a life they built together.

Phil was employed at the Thayer School of Engineering, where he enjoyed helping students with their assignments and projects. After retiring from the college, he stayed busy with part-time jobs at Glycofi, Mascoma Research, and later Cheshire Medical Center.

Phil will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 13 years, Gene, and their beloved dog, Midgie; his longtime former spouse, Sandra; his daughters, Jill Tacy Billiau and her husband, Christopher, Lana Tacy Manning and her partner, Cory, and Audrey Conrad and her husband, Chuck; his stepchildren, Michael Brooks and his wife, Jennifer, and Barbara Cormier and her husband, Chris; his grandchildren, Saylor, Hugo, August Billiau, and Reese Manning; and his sister, Donna (Tacy) Hubner, and her family. He leaves behind a cherished family who will carry his memory and the love he shared with them in their hearts.

In keeping with Phil’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Phil’s memory to the Monadnock Humane Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Community Kitchen of Keene.