Phil was born on February 14, 1933, in Brockton, MA, to Wilfred and Francis (Hatch) Calland. After a childhood spent caring for animals on a nearby farm and admiring from afar the girl that would someday become his wife, Phil proudly enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950. He served for four years during the Korean War, before being honorably discharged in 1954. During his time in the service, he married his childhood love, Geraldine “Geri” (Kingston) Calland and together they started a family.
After being discharged from the service, Phil joined New England Telephone (now Verizon) as an Equipment Installation technician in Massachusetts, where he quickly became a Rated Equipment Testman. He was promoted in 1966 into Engineering and, after working in a variety of engineering roles, he retired in 1991 as a Marketing Engineer manager.
Phil was an avid reader, a crossword hobbyist, a bird watcher, and loved working with his hands on all types of home projects for himself (i.e., his wife), his family members, and his friends. He enjoyed golfing (despite a lack of talent for it), playing cribbage, going out for breakfast on Fridays, and other social activities with his friends at their Countryside Community in Florida.
Phil especially loved time with his family, all who were spoiled by his quiet and gentle affection. In addition to Geri, his sweetheart of almost 67 years, Phil leaves behind four children: James Calland and wife Cheryl Rice of Scituate, Lorna Deplitch and husband Michael Maloney of Framingham, Veronica and her husband Mark Hearon of Northbridge and Melissa Calland of Natick; his sister Susan “Susie” and husband Stanley Marks of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Known for his legendary piggyback rides, sparkling blue eyes, and an easy laugh that always fell somewhere between a chuckle and a giggle, Phil or “Papa” is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd at St. George’s Church, 74 School St., Framingham at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Stephen’s cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Phil’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/) or the MetroWest Homecare and Hospice, Marlboro, Ma. (https://www.amedisys.com/).
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