Joseph W. Phillips

Joseph “Joe” Phillips of Bergenfield, N.J., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Wednesday, June 28, in Holy Name Hospital at 93. Born in Jersey City to Joseph and Jennie Phillips, Joe was a graduate of Jersey City State Teachers’ College, and during World War II served 4 years in the Army Air Force, both domestically and on Tinian Island in the South Pacific.
After an honorable discharge Joe had a lengthy career in wage and salary management in New York City for NBC, CBS, JCPenney and the NY Daily News. During those years Joe was active in the local community as a Tenafly councilman for 3 years, as chairman of the Tenafly Board of Adjustment, and was active in the Republican Club. Joe served proudly as a member of the Tenafly Volunteer Fire Department for more than 50 years. He also enjoyed family vacations on farms in the Catskills, built a summer cabin in Roxbury, N.Y., and loved to sing. Tennis and paddle tennis at Knickerbocker Country Club were also favorite pastimes.
Upon retirement Joe found purpose working for PNC Bank for nearly 20 years, until at 82 he suffered a stroke. His strong will, determination and relentless commitment to rehab provided Joe a remarkable recovery, yet he was unable to return to work. He spent the next 10 years enjoying being a regular at the Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood.
With his wife of 66 years, Eileen, Joe always looked forward to their next cruise or jaunt to a casino for blackjack. In later years he treasured day trips to West Point, watching musicals, or sitting on his deck with a cigar surrounded by family. A devout Catholic, Joe was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish and attended the SMA Mission.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, son Thomas and daughter-in-law Barbara; daughters MaryAnn Phillips, Carrie Delorme, Jeannine Spencer and son-in-law Glenn; 2 grandchildren - Katie Phillips, and Meaghan Wildasin and her husband Adam and their 2 daughters.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SMA Fathers, 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly NJ 07670.