John Emerson Phillips Sr.

John Emerson Phillips Sr., 88, Passed away on May 3, 2021, at the Harbor Hill Center in Belfast, Maine.

John was born in St. Albans, VT, on August 11, 1932 to William and Ellen (Croft) Phillips. He married Sally Ann Therrien, his wife of 53 years, in 1958. John was predeceased by Sally when she passed away in July of 2011, while residing in Zephyrhills, Florida.

John served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He was a member of the Freemasons for over 50 years, was a Past Commander and long-time member of the Frank D. Hazeltine, American Legion, Post #43 in Belfast, ME. He was also a member of the A.A. Scottish Rite Bodies-Valley of Portland, the Mount Sinai Temple Shriners and a member of Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).

He was employed by St. Albans, VT Grain Co./Wirthmore Feeds for nearly 20 years and was the Controller for its successor company, Penobscot Poultry Co., Belfast, ME, for 22 years. He also served as Treasurer for the City of Belfast, ME, for 18 years between 1971 and 1989. After retiring from Penobscot Poultry, John worked at R.L. Vallee, Inc., St. Albans, VT, as Data Coordinator for the Maplefield chain of convenience stores. John and Sally moved to Zephyrhills in 2003 where John was the Treasurer of Gem Estates for many years.

John is survived by his brother, Bill Phillips; his daughter Judy (Curry) Phillips and her husband Steve, grandson Ian and his wife Grace; his son John Emerson Phillips Jr. and his wife Jennifer, granddaughters Brittany and Kasandra, great granddaughter Abrianna Rose; his son Jay Phillips and his wife Michele, granddaughters Jayme and Taylor.

John will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a dedicated employee, civic leader and tireless contributor to the betterment of society – a true gentleman. He will also be remembered as the quintessential storyteller with an amazing sense of humor and endless supply of jokes appreciated by all. Those who knew John best will always smile when they hear the words “Ice Cream”.

Graveside burial services will be arranged at a later date.

Goss Life Celebration Homes is the area’s exclusive provider of Life Celebration events. Please visit our website to share condolences, photos and favorite memories at www.gossfs.com