John Phillips

John sought perfection in everything he did: “Do it right or don’t do it at all.” No surprise that he should find a career in the exacting science of tool and die making; John was a master machinist. But he’d find his real calling later in life as a grandfather for the ages, on the sidelines and in the front row for every event and a built-in babysitter. He was the fun kind of dad with lots of trips to Knoebels, the Poconos, water parks and Nova Scotia, but you knew not to mess around once he gave you the eye. His joy was his family and friends; John was the master of bringing people together. It didn’t matter if it was under his roof, out at a restaurant or away on vacation. Of course, he was always up for some fun: his trips to the “hardware store” somehow lasted late into the evening. And, maybe, the hardware store looked a little like Rexy’s and the Skylark. He had an intense love of music ranging from Pink Floyd to Sinatra and even hit a few Buffett shows. If his T.V. was on he’d be checking out Naked and Afraid, NCIS and rooting for the Phils.

The handsome Woodrow Wilson boy was hitting some pool balls when he noticed a pretty Camden Catholic girl getting hit with snowballs. He’d chase the offenders away, win her heart and wed four years later. John and Jane shared a 53-year marriage blessed by three children, Jennifer Phillips-Davis (Tom), Michael Carver, and Jessica Torrissi (Alfred); and later by grandchildren, Tara (Alex) McCarthy, Tommy Davis, Anthony Torrissi, and Ava Torrissi and great grandchildren, Addison and Benjamin McCarthy.

Come celebrate 74 great years Wednesday June 25, 5-7 p.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street Riverside where there will be a 7 p.m. storytime service. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, Merchantville. Interment private at the convenience of the family. Donations in lieu of flowers to Samaritan hospice (samaritannj.org) will be appreciated.