Ronald "Bill" Phillips

Bill Phillips’s journey came to a peaceful end on October 11, 2025 at the age of 94. Born on August 2, 1931, in Niagara Falls, New York, he was the beloved son of William K. and Dorothy B. Phillips of Towson, Maryland.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Patricia Barrett Phillips; his daughter, Mary Phillips Kamps; and his sister, Patricia Holechek. He is survived by his sons Matthew (Santhe), Michael (DeeAnn), Peter (Mary Beth), and Timothy (Jaime); his 13 grandchildren Matthew (Elena), Ashley, Shaun, Shannon (Ben), Lauren (Kevin), Stephanie, Michael (Samantha), Ryan (Christy), Bennett, Nicole (Peter), Paige, Lucas, and Samantha; and great-grandchildren Stevie, Conor, Hannah, Joey, Logan, and Campbell.

Bill spent much of his childhood in the Baltimore area, attending Polytechnic High School, where he was a standout athlete. He was named a City All-Star in lacrosse and continued playing the sport at Loyola University. After college, Bill served in the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant, with assignments in Panama and South America.

Following his military service, Bill joined his parents in Riverside, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. There, he began both his family life and a successful career with Montgomery Ward. His work with Ward’s took him and his family across Illinois, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, ultimately leading to his role as district manager overseeing all Chicagoland and Northern Indiana locations.

In 1987, Bill returned to Timonium, Maryland, where he launched a second career as a respected real estate appraiser serving Greater Baltimore and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Around that time, he met Patricia Barrett, and together they built a life grounded in their faith and service.

Bill was a devoted member of St. Joseph Parish in Cockeysville, Maryland for over 25 years, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service. He served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister, alongside his wife Patricia and fostered a weekly devotion to Divine Mercy that brought peace, love and joy to many.

Beyond his parish commitments, Bill served as a Eucharistic Minister at Greater Baltimore Medical Center for 19 years, where he brought the Holy Eucharist to thousands of patients and their families, providing solace during challenging times. His passion for spirituality extended into his literary pursuits, as he published two books of spiritual reflections and poetry. Additionally, Bill was a Third Order Benedictine Oblate, enriching his faith and that of those around him. He participated in the Catholic Men’s Fellowship program for 14 years and was a mentor to many men who wanted to deepen and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

In 2021, Bill moved to Stella Maris (St. Elizabeth Hall), where he remained an active and beloved member of the community. Known affectionately as “the Flower Guy”, often delivering African Violets with holy communion. Bill brought beauty and kindness to the ministries at Stella Maris, touching many lives with his gentle spirit, unwavering faith and a great sense of humor.

Visitation and Services: The family will receive friends at Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road), Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 100 Church Lane, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030 on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Bill’s memory—and in honor of his daughter Mary—to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.