Obituary of John J. Phillips

John J. Phillips, 86, caring husband and father, loyal friend to many, and prolific artist died on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at home in Whiting, NJ after a long fight against lung cancer. John was known for his offbeat humor, his many deep long-lasting friendships, and being an outstanding engineer. An avid Artist and painter, his works were well-received at juried art shows, including the Rockland Center for the Arts. He graduated from what is now the College of Staten Island as well as attended programs at Pratt Institute and The Art Students League. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. He used his time abroad to learn to ski and visit the many slopes of Europe. Continuing his new-found love of skiing, he joined the Staten Island Ski Club where he met the love of his life, Lois Noordzy. After he completed his engineering degree, he worked for Gibbs & Coxs and Burns & Roe as a designer and engineer. He worked on a number of nuclear power plant projects, including the clean up of Three Mile Island. His natural good humor and comic take on life led him to often emcee events during his career, with his golfing companions and, in retirement, at the Meadows. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lois, his two sons, David and Paul (Kurt Gilman) and his sister, Maureen Robinson. A Memorial Mass will be offered at 10:45 a.m., Friday, Jan. 8th at the All Saints Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 30 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting. Arrangements are under the direction of Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, Whiting. For information and condolences, please visit our website at manchestermemorial.net