Richard Joseph Phillips Sr., the husband to Paulette Marie Phillips of 44 years, and a proud veteran of the United States Army passed away Thursday, October 14th, almost one week after his 78th birthday, in Mesa, Arizona.
Born on October 9th, 1943, in East Providence, Rhode Island, Richard was the only son of Joseph Phillips and Mary Palumbo. He grew up in a traditional Italian, Portuguese American family in East Providence around family and friends.
At the age of 17, Richard enlisted in the United States Army. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Specialist 5 as a Radar Instructor. As part of this service, he received National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals.
After his military service, he owned and operated D&R TV in Coolidge, AZ with his lifelong friend Darrel Sherrill. In 1975 he moved to Tempe and went to work for the Electrical Equipment Company. He later began a career working in Retail Management with a national grocery store chain (Smitty's). Finally his career was closed out as the Facilities Superintendent at McClintock High School.
In his earlier years, Richard loved golf. He belonged to a local country club and golfed at championship levels. After years and age took him off the course, he developed a love of cards, especially poker. If you had the time, he’d be there to deal the cards. And speaking of cards, if it was your birthday or anniversary, he’d whip up a personal greeting card on his computer and hand-deliver it to you. And if it wasn’t a card, it was a text or email sending his love and wishes to you. Everywhere Richard went he made a new friend; there were no strangers. He’d even stop for those on the streets that needed a dollar or two. Most of all, Richard loved his family with the passion of any good Italian man.
Richard was preceded in death by his father Joseph Phillips, mother Mary Palumbo, Uncle Charles Phillips and many extended family members.
Richard is survived by his loving wife Paulette, Son Richard Joseph, Jr. (Patti), Daughter Barbara (Todd), Daughter Patricia (Steve), Son Scott Richard (Grisel), Son John; 9 Grandchildren Ashley, Chase, JD, Chelsey, Taryn, Delaney, Hunter, Phenix, Vincent, and 6 great-grandchildren Mason, Benjamin, Reyna, Maddox, Kynsley, and Levi. In addition, Richard is survived by his God-Mother Marie, his beloved Aunt Rita, cousins Charlie (Christy), John (Linda), David (Lavinia), Mary, Lori (Jay), and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 30th from 5-7 pm at the Lakeshore Mortuary at 1815 S. Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202.
He will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024. Time and day yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Richard's favorite charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @ [email protected].
