Obituary of Albert R. Phillips

Al Phillips, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2013 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in South Plainfield, NJ, to his parents, Stanley and Mary Phillips, and has resided in the borough his entire life. In his youth, Al was an All-Area Basketball standout, leading both North Plainfield High School and the Sacred Hearts to many victories and titles. After graduating NPHS, Al turned down a college basketball scholarship to serve his country in WWII. He enlisted in the Navy and proudly served on the USS Macomb (DD 458) from 1943 to 1945 achieving the rate of Petty Officer, Torpedoman's Mate Third Class. The Macomb was involved in several battles throughout the Atlantic and provided naval support for the D-Day invasion at Normandy. While still enlisted, Al married his high school sweetheart, Elaine (Voorhees) Phillips; they were best friends throughout their 55 year marriage. Active in Sacred Heart parish, Al was instrumental in forming the Sacred Heart School basketball program, serving as coach of the Hawks from 1959 through 1975. For over 60 years, Al was a self-employed painter and paper hanger working alongside his son John until his official retirement in 2011. Without advertising, the quality of his workmanship combined with his unquestionable integrity afforded him a lifetime of loyal clients. Al will be remembered by everyone who met him as a caring and generous man. He defined what is meant to be part of the Greatest Generation, serving his country, working hard and loving his family. Al was predeceased by his wife Elaine in 2000 and sister Virginia Delaney in 1993. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Feraro, St. Louis, MO, sons Allen Phillips, Hartford, CT, John Phillips and wife Denine of Annandale and Richard Phillips and wife Donna of Readington; brothers Stanley Phillips and Hank Phillips; 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Funeral services will begin on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 9:15AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield NJ 07080, followed by a 10:00 AM funeral mass in Sacred Heart RC Church, South Plainfield. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield. Family and friends may attend visitation on Thursday, March 21, 2013 from 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM in the funeral home.