Eugene Phillips

Eugene F. Phillips
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and papa
VERNON-Eugene Francis Phillips of Vernon, CT, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

Gene was born on September 7, 1930, in Derby, CT to the late Herman J. Phillips and Veronica (O’Neill) Phillips. He grew up in Middlebury, CT and graduated from Crosby High School in 1948, and was a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Class of 1961 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in 1966. He joined the packaging division (Plax) of Monsanto in 1961. Their he developed patents for plastic bottles, films, foam boards, astroturf, and rain flap products. He progressed to Director of International Licensing for Monsanto traveling the world with Betty and retiring in 1987. He met the love of his life, Betty, first on a bus, and then at a high school dance. He married Elizabeth M. Huber on December 4, 1954. He proudly served his country during the Korean War on board the USS Gherardi (DMS-30) from 1951-1955, as a welder and then a First Class Petty Officer. Gene and Betty were blessed with happiness and the kind of love only a few can find in a lifetime. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and papa who will be missed more than words can express. His greatest love in life was his Family and celebrating happy times together were very important and created many lasting memories for everyone. He had a passion for documenting family history. He proudly recognized all Veteran’s for their service, no matter where he was. He was a lover of birds.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth M. (Huber) Phillips, a son Paul J. Phillips and his wife Lisa of Middlebury and daughters Beth Ann Phillips and her partner Tom Calvocoressi of Berlin, Lugene Kulpa and her husband Dominick of Tolland, and Donna Boucher and her husband Drew of Tolland. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren who he loved dearly and was so proud of, Sara (Joe) Martocci, Stephen (Nicole) Kulpa, Marissa (Ray) Culver, Jamison Boucher, Olivia Boucher, Erica Schwab, Amanda Schwab, Marissa (Chris) Frois, Paris Phillips, Rupa (Charles) Grummon, Anand (Christy) Agrawal. He also leaves 7 great grandchildren that held a special place in his heart, Jackson Martocci, Chase Kulpa, Sophie and Xander Grummon, Anika, Aidan and Abigail Agrawal. A great grandson (Martocci), and great granddaughter (Culver) are due in April, 2019. He was predeceased by a son, Dennis Michael, and brothers Edward Phillips and Donald Phillips.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Gandhi, Dr. Kapoor, Laura Milliken, Dr. Camrye, and their staffs, the Visiting Nurse & Health Care of Vernon, especially Stephanie and Donna for their kindness and compassion to dad and our family throughout the last couple years. Also a special thank you to the caregivers who helped comfort him in these last few weeks, Donna, Linda, Charity, Eunice, and Gladys. You all hold a special place in our hearts we will never forget.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Saint John of the Cross, 1263 West Street, Middlebury, CT. Burial with full military honors to follow at Lake Elise Cemetery, Middlebury, CT. There are no calling hours. Funeral services are entrusted to Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home Naugatuck, CT.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations in Eugene’s name be made to either VNHSC 8 Keynote Drive, Vernon, CT 06066 or the American Heart Association.