John M. Phillips, III

JOHN M. PHILLIPS, III, of Whitehall, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.  John will be remembered as an athlete and avid sports fan.  He was a graduate of Phillips Academy at Andover, Class of 1965, where he earned the nickname “Smoky” from his baseball teammates.  He played baseball and football through his time at Knox College, Class of 1969.

As an entrepreneur, he made a career in the sporting goods industry and later his commercial embroidery business. Though not an affectionate man and the last to admit it, he truly cared for and loved his family. His favorite sports teams were the ones he coached and cheered on of his children as well as his great nephews. His close relationship with his nieces and nephews is reflected in the fact that so many in the community knew him only as “Uncle John”.

John is the husband of the late Polly (Ryan), whom he married in 1971, and who passed away in 1993.  He is the son of the late John M. and Grace Phillips, Jr., and is survived by his two sons, John M. Phillips, IV and Andrew Phillips, as well as his sisters, Lee, Farley, and Duffy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a purchase of a Pepsi Co. or Marlboro product, as these brands are likely to suffer with his absence.

Arrangements are private and under the direction of Frank F. DeBor Funeral Home.  A celebration of John's life will take place at a later date.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John M. Phillips, III, please visit our floral store.