David P. Phillips

GARDNER - David P. Phillips, age 65, of Gardner died Thursday, August 7, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family.   Mr. Phillips was born August 8, 1948 in Winchendon, the son of Howard C. Phillips and the late Merle (DeRoos) Phillips.   A lifelong resident of Gardner, David attended Gardner High School where he was active in football and swimming.  He was a member and co-captain of the state champion swim team in 1966 and graduated from Gardner High that same year.  He graduated from East Carolina University in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and earned a Master's Degree from Fitchburg State College in 1980. He taught for 25 years at the former Gardner Junior High and 10 years at Gardner High School.  He coached swimming at Gardner High School from 1971-1983, where in 1980 his team won the Sectional, State, and New England Championships.  That same year he was selected by the Boston Globe as high school swim coach of the year.  He coached Junior High School girls' softball for a number of years, highlighted by 3 consecutive undefeated seasons.  He served as assistant football coach at Gardner High School, leading his first freshman team to an undefeated season.  He was inducted into the Gardner High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.   Upon retirement, David became a charter member of the Greenwood Master's Swimming program, and thereafter, continued to be a strong promoter of the program. Dave especially enjoyed his teaching and coaching career in Gardner as a result of good role models and at a time when teachers were allowed to teach.  He had a large circle of friends drawn from the teaching and coaching fraternities in a town he was proud to grow up in.   He also enjoyed gardening, hunting with his brother Bob, and most of all spending time with his family.  His grandchildren were the apple of his eye, as he attended their birthday parties, sporting events, and numerous other occasions whenever possible.  He was a devoted and loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a member of Gardner Fish and Gun Club and an associate member of the Gardner American Legion Post #129. He was a member of First Congregational Church of Gardner serving as former trustee, head trustee, and member of the board of deacons.  David was a member of REAM (Retired Educators Association of MA North Chapter) serving on the board of directors and two years as Chapter President.  Finally, he was a member of the Executive Board for the Gardner High School Athletic Hall of Fame. A special thank you goes to his longtime friend, Nancy Sawyer, whose unconditional care, support, and love saw him through his battle with cancer to the very end.     He is survived by three sons, James S. Phillips and his wife Nikki of Austin, TX; Thomas D. Phillips of Roslindale, MA; Christopher E. Phillips and his wife Sara of Clinton, MA; his father Howard C. Phillips and his wife Erika of Miami, FL; three brothers, Kenneth W. Phillips and his wife Lisa of Windham, CT; H. Keith Phillips and his wife Sandra of Miami, FL; Robert M. Phillips and his wife Nancy of Ledyard, CT; step brother, Bernhard Hildebrant of Baltimore, MD; six grandchildren, Justin Phillips; Kyle Phillips; Samantha Phillips; Matthew Phillips; Joshua Phillips; Ayden James Sparrow-Phillips; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Karen (Wall) Phillips in 1996. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, 28 Green St., Gardner. All those attending are asked to go directly to the church.  Burial will be in Crystal Lake Cemetery, Gardner. Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 11, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s memory to the Gardner High School Athletic Hall of Fame c/o Michael Richard 101 Temple St., Gardner, MA 01440, or to the American Cancer Society's New England Division Office, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. Mack Funeral Home 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });